Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson has capped an extraordinary year by being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024. The 22-year-old ended her long wait for a global title in Paris, dominated the European Championships in Rome, and etched her name in history as the sixth-fastest woman ever with her British record of 1:54.61 at the London Diamond League.
“This year has been incredible, and I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track,” said Hodgkinson. “I hope you loved watching Paris.”
She became the fourth successive woman to win the prestigious award, following Mary Earps (2023), Beth Mead (2022), and Emma Raducanu (2021). Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were also recognised as Coach of the Year, having guided not only Hodgkinson but other medal-winning British athletes, including Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey.
Hodgkinson’s rise to the top of the athletics world began three years ago with a surprise silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, she has emerged as a dominant force in the 800m, overcoming intense competition from global rivals Athing Mu and Mary Moraa. Her Paris victory marked a significant moment for Team GB, as she became the first Briton to win an Olympic track title since Mo Farah in 2016.
She credited her success to her coach, said, “I trust in Trevor and Jenny a lot. I know what shape I’m in before I step on the start line. It all depends if it comes together, and that can depend on many things in athletics.”
Hodgkinson’s award was part of an evening celebrating diverse sporting achievements. Below is the list of remarkable athletes who won across various disciplines:
Luke Littler: A 17-year-old darts prodigy, was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year after a breakthrough season. Littler claimed 10 senior titles, finished second in the 2024 PDC World Championship, and skyrocketed to fourth in the global rankings. “It shows how well I have done this year, not only for myself but for changing the sport of darts,” he remarked.
Armand Duplantis: Sweden’s pole vault sensation, was crowned World Sport Star of the Year. The 25-year-old retained his Olympic title in Paris, set new Olympic and world records (breaking his own record three times in 2024), and claimed his third European gold. “This award really means a lot to me,” Duplantis said in his acceptance speech from the U.S.
Sir Mark Cavendish: The legendary cyclist, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 39-year-old retired earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy that includes a record 35 Tour de France stage wins and 165 professional victories.
Jean Paton: A 90-year-old sailing instructor, was honoured with the Unsung Hero Award for her decades-long dedication to the Salterns Sailing Club, where she has helped over 800 children learn to sail.
Dr Mark Prince: A former boxer and founder of the Kiyan Prince Foundation, was presented with the Helen Rollason Award for his tireless work to combat knife crime through sports in memory of his late son.
The Wigan Warriors: The team were crowned Team of the Year after completing an unprecedented quadruple in rugby league, clinching the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final titles.
The BBC Sports Personality Awards highlighted talent and dedication across the sporting world, showcasing the incredible stories of athletes who inspire millions with their achievements.
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