England’s cricket team took home a hat-trick of honours at the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Ben Stokes won the main award for his heroic efforts during the Ashes and World Cup campaign.
F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton came second while sprinter Dina Asher-Smith completed the top three.
But it was England’s World Cup winner Stokes who crowned off a magnificent year by taking home the prestigious individual award.
The 28-year-old was emotional as he took to the stage to collect his trophy and he remained humble during his speech.
“First of all, I think congratulations to all the nominees. What you’ve managed to achieve as individuals and do for your sport is simply sensational so well done to you too,” he said.
“There’s so many people you feel you have to thank when you’re up here.
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“It’s an individual award but I play a team sport and one of the great things about that is you get to share special moments with those team mates, coaches and without that effort you put in, I wouldn’t be up here receiving this award so thank you so much.
“Two years ago was a tough time for me in my life and I’ve had so many people help me through that. My fantastic manager and friend Neil Fairbrother, you’re more than an agent, you’re an incredible man.
“I don’t know how you’ve put up with Andrew Flintoff and me, you and Audrey you’re incredible people.”
Stokes scored an unbeaten 135 in the one-wicket third Ashes Test triumph against Australia at Headingley.
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“Throughout the whole of the World Cup campaign people showed faith, love and support and we’re extremely grateful for that.”
“On behalf of the players, coaching staff and the England and Wales Cricket Board, thank you very much.”
Jos Buttler taking the stumps in the World Cup final to take the match to a super-over was named Moment of the Year.
He said: “It’s been huge for cricket across the UK. For us to work so hard across the four years and for it to come to that moment, it’s incredible.”
Meanwhile, Stokes also hailed his wife, Clare Ratcliffe, who was present at the awards show, along with his family who live in New Zealand.
He added: “My parents, they live on the other side of the world, they don’t get to share moments like this, the World Cup and be there with me but the time you dedicated to me growing up, the selflessness to get me to training camps and around the country, this is for you. I love you so much, thank you.
“To my amazing wife, Clare. Family to me is more important than what I do for a living. It puts perspective on everything, after the good and bad days they are there for me no matter what. My two kids too, they are awesome I love you so much.
“Back to Clare, you’re a rock. You always have been. You always will be. I wish you could come here and share it with me, you deserve it just as much. I love you so much and I’m so proud to call you my wife.
“I’m guessing I should leave it there.”
Sports Personality 2019 award winners
Helen Rollason Award: Doddie Weir
Young Sports Personality of the Year: Caroline Dubois
Lifetime Achievement: Tanni Grey-Thompson
Coach of the Year: John Blackie
Team of the Year: England’s Cricket World Cup team
World Sport Star: Eliud Kipchoge
Greatest Sporting Moment: Jos Buttler breaks the stumps to seal Cricket World Cup victory
Unsung Hero: Keiren Thompson