The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards saw a resounding success for the North West.
- Keely Hodgkinson won the main award after her splendid 800m Olympic gold achievement.
- Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler secured the Young Sports Personality title.
- The Wigan Warriors team’s historic success earned them the Team of the Year award.
- Coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows received the Coach of the Year accolade.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards brought remarkable achievements for the North West, marking a memorable event in Media City’s dock10. Athletes, teams, and coaches from the region claimed five out of eight awards, showcasing the breadth of talent in the area.
Keely Hodgkinson took the spotlight by winning the prestigious main award. Her stellar performance in the 800m race at the Paris Olympics not only secured a gold medal but also affirmed her place among Britain’s top middle-distance runners. Her victory marked Team GB’s first Olympic track title post Mo Farah’s historic wins.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her coach, acknowledging his role in her success. “I’m actually in a bit of shock. Thank you so much. I’m actually more excited for my coach, to be honest,” she mentioned, highlighting the strong mentor-mentee relationship that has been pivotal since she was 17.
The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year title was awarded to Luke Littler, a teenage dart player who made waves in 2024. At just 16, Littler conquered the challenges to reach the PDC World Championship final, and later secured his first major title at the Premier League of Darts. His achievements, which include a victory at the Grand Slam of Darts, elevated his profile significantly.
The Wigan Warriors, with their powerful performance, were honored as Team of the Year. They accomplished a notable feat by winning all four major trophies in one season, becoming a benchmark for excellence in the Super League era. Their defensive capabilities were unmatched, conceding just two points in their final games of the season.
Together, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows were recognized as Coaches of the Year. This duo, not only guided Hodgkinson to her Olympic triumph but also played key roles in coaching other medalists such as Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey at the Paris Olympics.
Renowned cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish was celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement award, acknowledging his outstanding career and contributions to cycling. Additionally, other notable recognitions included the Helen Rollason Award to Dr. Mark Prince OBE, Armand Duplantis as World Sport Star of the Year, and Jean Paton’s recognition as Unsung Hero for her dedicated volunteer work.
Alex Kay-Jelski, acknowledging the spirit of the event, stated the awards celebrated the magical aspects of sports: talent, determination, and the ability to unite and inspire people.
The North West’s success at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards exemplifies the region’s exceptional sporting talent and achievement.
