Murray bags BBC award for record third time

World No. 1 Andy Murray capped off his glorious year by winning the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for a record third time.

After being presented the award by former boxer Lennox Lewis at the ceremony in Birmingham, the 29-year-old thanked his team and his family.

"I'd like to thank everyone who voted. I really appreciate all of your support. I'd obviously like to thank my team. They make a lot of sacrifices for me. They spend time away from their families at times of the year like this and I really appreciate all of your support, news.com.au quoted Murray as saying.

Murray further admitted that it has been an amazing year for the British sport and that he is extremely proud to be a part of it.

"I appreciate everyone's support and congrats to all of the athletes there tonight. It's been an amazing year for British sport and I'm very proud to be a part of it," he said.

Murray received the honour for his stellar season, having ended Novak Djokovic's 122-week reign, becoming the second-oldest player since John Newcombe in 1974 to debut at World No. 1.

The Briton notched up a total of nine titles this year, including a second Wimbledon title and a second Olympic singles gold in Rio de Janeiro.

Two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee finished second ahead of 58-year-old showjumper Nick Skelton, who became the oldest British gold medallist since 1908 in Rio Olympics. 

Image: Andy Murray with the BCC Sports Personality of the Year award

Photograph: Andy Murray/Facebook