• Sports Personality of the Year

AP McCoy scoops Sports Personality of the Year award

David Beckham was presented with the lifetime achievement award by Sir Bobby Charlton © Getty Images

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Fifteen-time champion jockey AP McCoy has become the first jockey ever to be voted the Sports Personality of the Year, while David Beckham has been rewarded for a glittering career by collecting the lifetime achievement award.

McCoy, who has 3,383 winners from 13,664 rides, finally realised his lifelong ambition to win the Grand National at the 15th attempt by leading home Don't Push It in April.

The 36 year-old Ulsterman beat Phil Taylor and Jessica Ennis, who came third, to the main prize and he told a crowd of 12,000 at Birmingham's LG Arena that he was in a state of shock.

"This is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in front of so many amazing sports people," he told the BBC. "To win this award is very surreal and obviously it could not have been achieved without the help of so many people. I have so many people to thank. I work in a wonderful sport - they probably spent most of the night voting for me.

"Without trainer Jonjo O'Neill I wouldn't have won the Grand National. I'd like to thank my wife and my family. But more amazing than winning the award is my daughter at home. I know she'll be watching at home and I just want to say how amazing she is. I have so many people to thank."

Beckham, 35, received a standing ovation as he received the lifetime achievement award from Sir Bobby Charlton. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who won 115 caps for England, including 59 as captain, fought back the tears as he dedicated his award to the men and women serving in Afghanistan.

"I'm obviously really humbled to receive an award for something I love doing," he said. "I am very humbled. To receive it from Sir Bobby - I am truly honoured. Without the teams and players, such as Ryan Giggs standing next to me, I wouldn't be here today. I've been lucky enough to play with great teams such as Preston, Manchester United, Real Madrid , AC Milan and LA Galaxy - and of course playing for England. I've also always been lucky enough to play under some of the great coaches like Eric Harrison and Nobby Stiles.

"The best manager in football for me was and still is Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. I'd also like to thank my family and friends and my wife and children. My wife Victoria has given me three amazing children and her support is truly inspirational."

Tom Daley made history by becoming the first person to win the Young Sports Personality award for a third time. The 16-year-old claimed two Commonwealth Games gold medals in Delhi, winning the 10m individual competition and synchro event with diving partner Max Brick.

"I'd like to thank my physios and coaches," said Daley. "It's been tough year for me regarding injury. To go to the Commonwealths was great and to come away with two golds was amazing."

Colin Montgomerie - who was named Coach of the Year - collected the Team of the Year award on behalf of the victorious European Ryder Cup team. Tennis world No. 1 Rafael Nadal won the Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award, while Formula One legend Sir Frank Williams picked up the Helen Rollason award.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.