Ben wins SPOTY!
BEN STOKES hit the competition for six as he was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The 28-year-old all-rounder was the hero as England won the cricket World Cup for the first time.
He picked up the 2019 award in a star-studded evening last night at the The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) – with co-host Gary Lineker appearing to blunder when introducing him as the main winner an hour before the final result.
Stokes is the first cricketer to pick up the prestigious award since Freddie Flintoff won it in 2005. His rise is even more remarkable as his career and reputation was on the line before he was cleared of affray.
He said: “Two years ago was a tough time in my life. I’ve had so
many people help me through that.
“My parents live on the other side of the world and don’t get to share moments like this. The time they’ve dedicated to me, taking me to training camps, this is dedicated to you as well.
“To my amazing wife Claire. Family to me is more important than what I do for a living. It puts everything in perspective.
“My two children.
You two are awesome. I love you so much. Claire, you’re my rock. I’m so proud to call you my wife.”
England’s World Cup-winning cricketers achieved a treble, being named Team of the Year, while Jos Buttler’s matchclinching stumping against New Zealand in the July final was named as Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year.
In the main award, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton came in second with Dina Asher-Smith in third place. Athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Welsh rugby star Alun Wyn Jones and Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling were the others shortlisted.
Paralympic multigold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson (right) picked up the Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.
She was presented with her award by Sir Chris Hoy.