Andy Murray Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2013

Andy Murray has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in the 60<sup>th year of the award.

The British No.1 tennis player became the first Briton in 77 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles title after beating Novak Djokovic at SW19 in July.

British and Irish Lions and Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny finish second while 2010 winner AP McCoy was third.

"I'd like to thank all the public who voted, for giving me so much support over the last couple of years," said Murray, speaking at an off-season training camp in Miami. "It's made a huge difference."

"I've got a few people to thank - my family first. A lot are there in the crowd. They've supported me since I was a kid, making a lot of sacrifices for me. I couldn't have done it without you.

"My team are also all standing behind the camera here. They've been with me for a long time and I also couldn't have done it without them. Thank you to all of them.

"I know sometimes I'm not the easiest person to support but I've had a lot of pressure on me for a long time. I'm glad I managed to do it.

"No matter how excited I try to sound, my voice always sounds boring - that's just my voice. I'm sorry. I'm very excited right now. Thank you very much everyone."

Murray had begun the year with defeat in the Australian Open final to Djokovic before he withdrew from the French Open with a back problem.

But 12 months on from his defeat to Roger Federer at Wimbledon, he produced a fitting performance to end Britain's wait for the male singles champion at the All-England Club.

Elsewhere, the Lions, who claimed a first series win for 17 years against Australia won the Team of the Year award ahead of Europe's Solheim Cup Team and Team Sky, while Warren Gatland held off competition from Ivan Lendl to win Coach of the Year.

To mark the 60<sup>th anniversary of the ceremony, Sir Alex Ferguson, the retired former Manchester United manager was given a special Diamond Award presented by Sir Bobby Charlton.