BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016: Andy Murray wins award after Olympic and Wimbledon tennis glory

Murray was the heavy favourite to win the award for the third time in his career

Andy Murray has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the third time in four years.

The tennis player was recognised for his remarkable year, in which he won a second Wimbledon title, successfully defended his Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016 and ended the year as world No 1 after defeating Novak Djokovic in the ATP World Tour Finals.

Two-time Olympic trialthon gold medalist Alistair Brownlee came second followed by showjumper Nick Skelton who won an Olympic gold at the age of 58.

Speaking live from his training cammp in Miami, Andy Murray told Gary Linekar: "I'd like to thank everyone who voted, I really appreciate your support.

"And I'd like to thank my team, they make a lot of sacrifices for me, they're away form their family at times of the year like this.

"Also I'd like to thank my family. I think my mum is in the crowd there, my dad as as well, he just got married 10 days ago, I miss you guys."

He was presented the award by former World Heavyweight Boxing champion Lennox Lewis- who had himself won the award in 1999.

Andy Murray added: "I'd like to say a huge thanks to my wife and my daughter, who won't know what this means yet, but maybe in a few years she will.

"Actually, I've got a bone to pick with my wife because about an hour ago she told me she'd voted for Nick Skelton. Not smart from her with Christmas coming up.

"It's been a great year for British sport and I am so proud to have been a part of it."