SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2006

Date: 11 December 2006

Steve reports on the evening's events and this year's winners.

Back in the summer, when I heard that the BBC Sports Personality of the Year was to be transformed in to a much larger scale event, I was both disappointed and a little aggrieved. But I am delighted to reveal that, last night, my fears were proved unfounded. Well, almost.

From a sportsperson's perspective, it's not the TV programme that matters, it's more about getting together with your fellow sports people and, in some cases, your own sporting heroes. The cameras are secondary to the celebration of achievement, effort, determination and courage in the sporting world.

I thought that moving to a bigger, much bigger, venue with the general public in tow, the intimacy of the event would be lost but I was pleased, and relieved, to find the BBC had somehow managed to create intimacy in the NEC. That's quite a feat.

The event had a good turnout with only a few familiar faces missing. Some of the London-based sports people were unsure about the journey to Birmingham and some others who, in previous years, had followed the event with a Christmas shopping spree in Oxford Street had to rethink their plans for making a weekend of it. That said, Birmingham is very central and accessible so one man's loss is another's gain. Many found themselves experiencing an easier and less stressful journey so it probably balanced out.

When it came to the vote for the Sports Personality of the Year, I had only one criterion to be met. I wanted it to be a World Champion. Other than that, my choice was purely personal and if either Nicole Cooke or Zara Phillips took the trophy then I would be happy. Surprised, but happy.

Many, including myself, thought that Darren Clarke would win the people's vote. His courage was admired by all when he not only played in the Ryder Cup earlier this year, but helped to win it for a third consecutive time. Although Darren, whose wife lost her battle against cancer just weeks before the Europe-USA head-to-head, has rightly won a place in the hearts of sporting fans, he said himself he did not want to win the award out of sympathy. It wouldn't have felt right.

As it turned out, Zara Phillips, who won the eventing crown at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, took a third of the public vote to become this year's Sports Personality of the Year. Darren was the runner-up and I was particularly pleased for Beth Tweddle who put on a fine gymnastics display during the evening and took a well-earned third place.

I was surprised that Joe Calzaghe did not feature in the final three, as was Darren Clarke who thought that Joe might actually take the title. In retrospect, boxing is a contentious issue to some sports fans and having two boxers in the final line-up of ten contenders possibly split the vote.

I was also pleased to see Phil Taylor in the final 10. He is a great guy, a great ambassador for darts and a 13x World Champion (unlucky for some perhaps?) but this award is voted on the achievements of the current year. I am sure he will get a well-deserved lifetime award at some stage.

Lastly, and probably most surprising of all, was the winner of the team event. I am not sure why the Ryder Cup team did not walk away victorious. I suspect that Darren being the favourite to win the Personality title may have caused people to think that winning both the team and individual award would have been too much. Or, perhaps the fact that Europe have taken the trophy for the third consecutive time has made it seem like less of an achievement but I don't think that's right. Anyway, the Ryder Cup team did not win and neither did Darren so I think it's a shame they ended up with nothing. That said, I congratulate St Helens and do not wish to detract from their achievement. Well done to all the guys.

All in all a good evening was had by all. The atmosphere was excellent. The event was very well managed and tradition was maintained. I was happy.

Steve was speaking to Jacqueline Alexander

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