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BBC Sports Personality of the Year facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is a special award given out every December. It celebrates the best sportsperson of the year. To win, a sportsperson must be British or a foreign athlete who lives in the United Kingdom. This award first started in 1954.

About the Award

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is one of the most famous sports awards in the UK. It is given by the BBC, a big broadcasting company. Each year, people vote for their favourite sportsperson. The award celebrates amazing achievements in sports. It shows how much people appreciate the hard work and success of athletes.

Some Famous Winners

Many incredible athletes have won this award since 1954. Here are just a few examples of the talented sportspeople who have been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year:

  • 1966: Bobby Moore (footballer) – He was the captain of the England football team that won the World Cup that year.
  • 1973: Jackie Stewart (Formula One racing driver) – A legendary racing driver who won many championships.
  • 1979: Sebastian Coe (middle-distance runner) – A fantastic runner who won Olympic gold medals.
  • 1982: Daley Thompson (decathlete) – An amazing all-round athlete who was a world record holder.
  • 1992: Nigel Mansell (Formula One racing driver) – Another popular racing driver who won the F1 World Championship.
  • 2001: David Beckham (footballer) – A very famous footballer known around the world.
  • 2002: Paula Radcliffe (long-distance runner) – A record-breaking marathon runner.
  • 2003: Jonny Wilkinson (rugby union player) – He helped England win the Rugby World Cup.
  • 2008: Chris Hoy (cyclist) – A highly successful Olympic track cyclist.
  • 2013: Andy Murray (tennis player) – A tennis star who won Wimbledon that year.

These are just a few of the many champions who have received this special award. It shows the wide range of sports and talents celebrated over the years.

Images for kids

  • DavidWalliams

    David Walliams won a Special Achievement Award in 2006

  • Australia II pan

    Alan Bond and his crew of Australia II (pictured) received the International Team Award in 1986

  • Muhammad Ali NYWTS

    Muhammad Ali was voted Sports Personality of the Century in 1999

  • Seb Coe 01

    Sebastian Coe won the Special Gold Award in 2005

  • 2015-02-06 Sir Bobby Charlton 0288

    Bobby Charlton, who collected the Team of the Decades award on behalf of England's 1966 World Cup winning football team

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