London: Britain’s Olympic and World Champion Mo Farah capped his final season as a track athlete by winning the ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’ award here Sunday.
The distance runner, who won his sixth World Championships gold medal in London this year when he triumphed in the 10,000 metres, was named the winner ahead of second-placed superbike rider Jonathan Rea and para athlete Jonnie Peacock.
Pre-event favourites, world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and Formula One world title holder Lewis Hamilton, failed to make the top three.
The 34-year-old Farah, who ended his track career this year to concentrate on road running, looked stunned when he was awarded the trophy by his step-daughter Rihanna in a studio in London. He was denied the chance to tell viewers how he felt as the BBC’s live satellite link to the ceremony in Liverpool’s Echo Arena cut out seconds later.
After the show went off air, Farah, appearing close to tears, spoke to those inside the arena and said that he was shocked to win due to the quality of the other sportspersons.
“It is pretty amazing and hard to think about. I didn’t imagine I was every going to win this but… anything can happen. If you work hard you can achieve your dreams.”
Others who were present to receive their awards were Roger Federer (overseas sports personality of the year), Jessica Ennis-Hill (lifetime achievement), Benke Blomkvist, Stephen Maguire and Christian Malcolm (coaches of the year).
Agencies
