Sport

McCoy 'honoured' by Lifetime Achievement Award at SPOTY

AP McCoy with his Lifetime Achievement Award at Sunday's BBC Sport Personality Awards.
AP McCoy with his Lifetime Achievement Award at Sunday's BBC Sport Personality Awards. AP McCoy with his Lifetime Achievement Award at Sunday's BBC Sport Personality Awards.

JOCKEY AP McCoy received the Lifetime Achievement Award  at the Sports Personality of the Year awards in Belfast’s SSE Arena after bringing his illustrious career to a close in April.

McCoy – who won the main Sports Personality prize in 2010 – retired after riding 4,357 winners and being crowned Champion Jockey 20 consecutive times.

After receiving the award from fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy, McCoy said: “Could I just say what an honour and a privilege it is to receive such a prestigious award, especially here in Belfast.

“Being from Northern Ireland, a place that has produced so many talented and successful sports people.. it makes tonight even more special," he said.

"Racing is a wonderful sport. I was lucky to live my life as a jockey through it and for that I will be for ever grateful,” AP McCoy added.

Hover over the image to see some of the injuries AP McCoy suffered in an illustrious racing career

McCoy 'honoured' by Lifetime Achievement Award at SPOTY
McCoy 'honoured' by Lifetime Achievement Award at SPOTY

Damian Lindsay won the BBC Sport Unsung Hero award for his football and community work with the St James’ Swifts club west Belfast.

Ellie Downie became the second consecutive gymnast to carry off the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

Downie became the first British female gymnast to win a major all-around medal when she won bronze at the European Championships.

And she followed that up by clinching team gold at the World Championships in Glasgow alongside elder sister Becky, Fragapane, Ruby Harrold and Amy Tinkler.

Eight-year-old Bailey Matthews, who has cerebral palsy, was the recipient of the Helen Rollason Award after completing a junior triathlon in June.

List of SPOTY winners



Sports Personality: 1. Andy Murray, 2 Kevin Sinfield, 3. Jessica Ennis-Hill  


Coach of the Year: Michael O’Neill 


Team of the Year: Great Britain Davis Cup


Overseas Personality: Dan Carter 


Young Personality: Ellie Downie 


Helen Rollason Award: Bailey Matthews


Unsung hero: Damian Lindsay


Lifetime achievement: AP McCoy