Share

Murray takes top BBC award

London - Andy Murray, the first British man in 77 years to win Wimbledon, has claimed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Sunday and then apologised if he sounded bored.

Murray, 26, had defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets in July's Wimbledon championship match for his second career Grand Slam title. The Scot had won the US Open in 2012 as well as the Olympic title.

In Sunday's awards, he beat British and Irish Lions rugby union player Leigh Halfpenny who finished second and horse-racing jockey AP McCoy who was third.

Murray received the trophy from tennis legend Martina Navratilova at his training base in Miami.

"No matter how excited I try to sound my voice always sounds boring -- that's just my voice, I'm sorry! I'm very excited right now! Thank you very much everyone," said an emotional Murray.

"Thanks to Martina Navratilova for giving this to me. She's possibly the greatest tennis player of all time.

"I've got a few people to thank - my family first. They've supported me since I was a kid, making a lot of sacrifices for me. I couldn't have done it without you. My team have been with me for a long time and I also couldn't have done it without them.

"And finally I'd like to thank all the public who voted, for giving me so much support over the last couple of years. It has made a huge difference. I know sometimes I'm not the easiest person to support but I've had a lot of pressure on me for a long time. I'm glad I managed to do it."

Murray took a 56 percent share of the public vote with a total of 401,470.

Halfpenny claimed 65,913 votes while McCoy receieved 57,854.

The British and Irish Lions carried off the Team of the Year award while Warren Gatland was crowned Coach of the Year.

Gatland guided the Lions to their record-breaking 41-16 win in the third and final Test in Sydney.

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel was named Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.

To mark the programme's 60th year, Bobby Charlton presented a special Diamond Achievement award to Alex Ferguson, who called time on his 26 years as Manchester United manager this year.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE