The British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA) is delighted to learn that one of its members, Keely Hodgkinson, has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2024.
The 22-year-old athletics star won the prestigious annual award at Tuesday’s ceremony in Salford, topping the public vote ahead of second-placed Luke Littler and England cricketer Joe Root in third. Fellow BEAA members, Alex Yee and Dame Sarah Storey, were also among the athletes shortlisted for the prize.
The award completes an outstanding year for Keely, who won gold in the 800m at this summer’s Olympics in Paris and at the European Championships in Rome.
“I am in a bit of shock," she told BBC.
"This year has been incredible and I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track. I hope you loved watching Paris."
2024 has been a landmark year for Keely, who ran a time of 1:54:61 to break her own national record at the London Diamond League in July.
That time made her the sixth fastest woman in 800m history, and she followed it up with a dominant performance in Paris to win her first major global title – Team GB’s first gold in athletics at the Olympics since Mo Farah‘s 5000m and 10000m double in 2016.
Keely is the 19th track and field athlete to win Sports Personality of the Year and the first since Farah in 2017.
BEAA CEO, Kelly Sotherton MBE, said: “On behalf of the British Elite Athletes Association and its members, I would like to congratulate Keely on being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
“2024 has been an incredible year for her, culminating in that golden moment in Paris and it is fitting that she has been recognised with this award after inspiring so many athletes and sports fans with her performances over the last 12 months.
“I must also congratulate Sarah and Alex on making the shortlist, both of whom have had outstanding years and continue to be great ambassadors for British sport.”
