The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards highlighted significant achievements from the North West.
- Keely Hodgkinson won the main award after a standout year including Olympic gold.
- Young darts sensation Luke Littler captured the Young Sports Personality of the Year title.
- Wigan Warriors celebrated a record-breaking year by winning Team of the Year.
- Coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows were honoured for their contribution to athletics.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards showcased an impressive array of talent from the North West, with five of the eight accolades awarded to individuals and teams from this region at the televised event in Media City. Athletes, coaches, and teams were recognised for their extraordinary achievements over the past year, putting the region in the spotlight.
Keely Hodgkinson secured the main award following a remarkable season, culminating in an 800m gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Her triumph marked Team GB’s first Olympic track title since Mo Farah’s victories in Rio. At just 22, Hodgkinson became the 10th British woman to claim Olympic track and field gold, cementing her status as one of the country’s finest middle-distance runners. Expressing her gratitude, she noted the role of her coach in achieving her success.
Luke Littler, a sensation in the world of darts, was named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. At only 16 years old, Littler’s astonishing rise saw him reach the PDC World Championship final, breaking records and establishing himself among the sport’s elite. His achievements included a major title win at the Premier League of Darts and a groundbreaking victory at the Grand Slam of Darts, making him the fourth player ever to win 10 trophies in a single season.
The Wigan Warriors earned the Team of the Year award after a triumphant season that saw them become the first Super League team to win the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final in the same year since 1994. Their domination in the league was unmatched, with their defence remaining unbreached in their final four matches.
Coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows received the Coach of the Year award, reflecting their pivotal role in guiding athletes like Hodgkinson to Olympic glory. Their coaching extended beyond Hodgkinson, helping athletes such as Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey achieve success in their respective events.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement award went to Sir Mark Cavendish, recognising his dedication and accomplishments in cycling. Additional honours included the Helen Rollason Award to Dr Mark Prince OBE and the World Sport Star of the Year to Armand Duplantis.
BBC director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, encapsulated the evening’s spirit by acknowledging the inspiration and unity derived from sporting achievements, highlighting a year of extraordinary accomplishments in sport.
The awards recognised exceptional talent and celebrated the extensive contributions of sports figures, exemplifying the power of sport to inspire and unite communities.
