Andy Murray voted BBC sports personality of the year - 2013

Andy Murray joins a legion of elite sportsmen, which include the likes of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and England all-round cricketer – Andrew Flintoff, as he is named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year – 2013.

He pipped Irish Lions rugby union player Leigh Halfpenny who finished second, with jockey AP McCoy close at third.

This comes after the 26-year old became the first Brit, after Fred Perry, to break the jinx of winning the much coveted Wimbledon, after 77 long years. He overcame the then world number one, Novak Djokovic, in straight sets, to win his maiden Grand Slam in London.

Andy Murray said, “I’d like to thank all the public who voted, for giving me so much support over the last couple of years. It’s made a huge difference”

He made his delight at winning this prestigious award evident.

“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.” he added

18-time Grand Slam winner – Martina Navratilova, presented the Scot with the trophy.

Meanwhile, the other winners were :

Overseas Sports Personality of the Year: Sebastian Vettel, who won a fourth consecutive Formula One title in October.

Young Sports Personality of the Year: Amber Hill became the youngest ever to win a senior World Cup in Skeet shooting at 15-years old. She was ranked first in Great Britain and fifth in the world.

Sports Personality of the Year Diamond Award: Sir Alex Ferguson, who guided Manchester United to 38 trophies in a span of 26 years, retired at the end of last season.

Helen Rollason Award: Anne Williams who was an active Hillsborough justice campaigner, died in April.

Sports Unsung Hero: Joe and Maggie Forber won this award for their work on promoting basketball in Manchester.