Keely Hodgkinson has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in Salford, with the Olympics star beating Luke Littler to secure glory.
It has been a stunning runner for the athlete, who won gold at the Paris Olympics back in the summer.
Hodgkinson was up against Littler, Jude Bellingham, Joe Root, Alex Yee and Sarah Storey as she battled to come out on top.
And the Team GB star was able to achieve success, with the track superstar left visibly delighted as applause rang out on Tuesday night.
Keely Hodgkinson has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in Salford, with the Olympics star beating Luke Littler to secure glory
PA
Hodgkinson said she was delighted to win the award for her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows.
The pair shared the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach of the Year award after helping her secure gold in Paris back in August.
Littler, who won the BBC Sports Young Personality of the Year gong, finished second.
And England cricket icon Joe Root beamed via video link as he clinched third.
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It is now the fourth year in a row that a woman has won the award, making it a historic triumph for the 22-year-old.
Mary Earps was recognised last year after the England women’s goalkeeper helped her country reach the final of the Women’s World Cup.
Beth Mead won it in 2022, while Emma Raducanu wrote her name into the history books following her remarkable US Open triumph the previous year.
Hodgkinson has also become the first athlete to win Sports Personality since Sir Mo Farah, who achieved the feat in 2017.
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Reacting to her win, the runner said: “I am in a bit of shock.
“I am more excited for my coach [Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows] as I wouldn’t be here without his guidance.
“This year has been incredible and I achieved everything that I set out to do on the outdoor track.
“I hope you love watching Paris and I wish you all a wonderful evening.”
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Keely Hodgkinson has been left feeling proud after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday night
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Speaking earlier in the night, Hodgkinson reflected on a whirlwind year.
The Olympic and European 800m champion said she always knew she had the potential to be a superstar, saying: “Growing up I always knew I had a talent in the sport.
“I get the best out of my self when I have something to aim for.
“I took great inspiration from Jessica Ennis-Hill at London 2012. You start to dream into your teenage years.”
Keely Hodgkinson beat Luke Littler to win BBC SPOTY, with the darts star winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award
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On winning gold, having won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, she added: “There is a definitely a difference.
“The blonde hair stands out the most! It has been amazing since Paris.
“It is crazy to think that a little girl has watched that and been inspired to get into athletics.”
