Keely Hodgkinson Wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year After Unstoppable 2024 Season
Keely Hodgkinson proved unstoppable both on the track and in the battle for public support, as the Olympic 800m champion clinched the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The 22-year-old from Atherton, near Wigan, reflected on her incredible year, which saw her secure Olympic and European gold, shatter her own British record, and remain unbeaten over two laps. "As a little girl, I dared to dream big," she said, accepting the prestigious award.
Seventeen-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler finished second after a breakthrough year that included reaching the World Darts Championship final, while England cricketer Joe Root came in third. But it was Hodgkinson’s night as she became the fourth consecutive woman to win the award, following Emma Raducanu in 2021, Beth Mead in 2022, and Mary Earps last year.
Hodgkinson’s victory came in classic style. Like at the Paris Games, she entered the race as a heavy favorite and delivered, emerging from a competitive field to justify her position. "I am actually a bit in shock," she admitted as the crowd at Media City in Salford chanted her name. "This year has been absolutely incredible for me. I’ve achieved everything I have set out to do."
Earlier, her father, Dean, shared the story of how a young Hodgkinson had won a local cross-country race, even lapping the competition. "I always knew I had a bit of a talent, I get the best out of myself. I took great inspiration from Jess Ennis at London 2012 and I started to dream," she recalled.
After earning three silver medals in the past Olympics and World Championships, Hodgkinson was determined to not settle for second place again. "That’s not happening again," she declared. And, in 2024, she delivered gold.
To cap off a perfect night, her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were named Coach of the Year. The husband-and-wife duo not only guided Hodgkinson to gold but also helped Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey secure medals in the women’s 1500m and 4x400m relay.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards
- Sports Personality of the Year: Keely Hodgkinson
- Young Personality of the Year: Luke Littler
- Coach of the Year: Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows
- World Sport Star of the Year: Armand ‘Mundo’ Duplantis
- Team of the Year: Wigan Warriors
- Helen Rollason Award: Dr. Mark Prince
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mark Cavendish
- Unsung Hero: Jean Paton
"I’m actually more excited for my coach, Trevor, because I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance since I was 17," said Keely Hodgkinson, expressing her gratitude after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, returned the praise. "We are very proud," said Painter. "It’s exciting to see the success we’ve had this year. Spoty is something you look forward to every year."
Meadows added, "I still have to pinch myself when I think Keely is just 22 and already holds an Olympic title and four global medals in four consecutive years. It’s amazing, but we see the hard work she puts in every day. She truly deserves this moment tonight, and it's wonderful to add another trophy to the cabinet."
The evening also celebrated athletics, with pole vaulter Armand Duplantis being named World Sport Star of the Year after defending his Olympic pole vault title and breaking his own world record three times.
Luke Littler, who was named Young Personality of the Year, spoke about the rise of darts. "I know how big the sport has become, with tickets for the Premier League and Ally Pally selling out in hours," he said. "It just shows how much I’ve helped change the sport."
The show, which made history with an all-female presenting lineup—Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott—also paid tribute to Britain's Olympic and Paralympic heroes and the retiring Andy Murray. The packed audience also enjoyed a fun segment where the Strictly Come Dancing judges reviewed the candidates' footwork, with Motsi Mabuse particularly impressed by Joe Root’s “excellent posture” and ability to “pull off an all-white costume.”
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when former boxer Dr. Mark Prince received the Helen Rollason Award for his work in tackling knife crime. Prince’s 15-year-old son, Kiyan, a promising footballer with QPR, was tragically murdered in 2006. Since then, Prince has worked to prevent youth violence through boxing, life coaching, and founding the Kiyan Prince Foundation.
"The pain was indescribable," said Prince, holding back tears as he received the award from Barry McGuigan. "But I’m proud that I didn’t give in to bitterness or revenge. There is hope. It’s about using the power of choice to create a legacy."
Mark Cavendish received the Lifetime Achievement Award after breaking Eddy Merckx’s record for Tour de France wins. Wigan Warriors were named Team of the Year after securing a quadruple of rugby league titles, including the World Club Challenge and Super League Grand Final. And the night’s oldest winner, 90-year-old Jean Paton, was honored with the Unsung Hero Award for his 40 years of volunteering at Salterns Sailing Club in Hampshire.
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