Conquering Calzaghe top of Beeb hit parade

The 35-year-old Welshman was recognised for his 10 years at the top of boxing and his achievement in becoming undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.

It was a double celebration for the Calzaghe family with his father Enzo being crowned Coach of the Year at the ceremony in the Birmingham NEC. Recognised as one of the finest trainers in boxing, Enzo has produced three world champions, including his son.

Calzaghe, who was in Las Vegas at the Ricky Hatton fight, received the award from Lennox Lewis and was also congratulated by Hatton, who came third following his defeat by Floyd Mayweather.

The award made up for the disappointment of last year for Calzaghe who, having lost out to Beth Tweddle and Zara Phillips, complained that he had been beaten by 'a gymnast and a bloody horse'.

From America he expressed his surprise and delight at such a wonderful end for a year which saw him beat Mikkel Kessler last month to complete his collection of WBA, WBO and WBC belts.

Hamilton had been widely expected to win, having followed up his four grand prix wins and second place in the race for the championship with a blitz of charismatic media appearances of late.

"I'm not disappointed at coming second this year, it's the start of my career and I've got plenty of time to come first," said Hamilton.

The prestigious BBC award's 10- strong shortlist reflected the fact that this has been another lessthan- stellar year for British sport, with three of those nominated actually having been absent for much of 2007 for an unusual assortment of reasons.

Andy Murray moved up to No 11 in the world after being out injured for half the season; Paula Radcliffe came back to win the New York marathon after giving birth and Christine Ohuruogu won the World Championships 400 metres after being banned for missing three drug tests.

For a few weeks this autumn, the English rugby team had the public with them in the same way that Hatton did last week.

Given that the England football team are currently in disgrace, Barclays Premier League teams went pot-less in Europe and the cricket team followed up an Ashes hammering with World Cup ignominy, there was only going to be one winner of Team of the Year.

Brian Ashton, who seemed to be Steve McClaren one minute and Sir Alf Ramsey the next, was there to receive the trophy along with Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson.

Afterwards the coach made it clear that he would like to continue in the job, something that was fully endorsed by Wilkinson.

Sir Bobby Robson could tell Ashton everything about coming under fire as England boss, but now stands aloft as football's national treasure. There was no more heartfelt roar of appreciation from the 5,000 members of the public packed into the cavernous exhibition hall when the game's favourite uncle received his Lifetime Achievement award from Sir Alex Ferguson.

After beating Rafael Nadal in a superb final to win his fifth straight Wimbledon and emulate Bjorn Borg, the peerless Roger Federer took the Overseas Personality of the Year.

Boris Becker received it on his behalf after the Swiss collected the accolade for the third time, becoming the first winner in consecutive years since Muhammad Ali in the Seventies.

The Young Sports Personality of the Year award went to 13-year-old diving phenomenon Tom Daley, already competing with the world's elite. He was absent last night.

The Helen Rollason award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity went to 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee who is the Paralympic world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400m events.

Margaret Simons, 85, won the Unsung Hero award for her 43-year commitment to Bardwell, the football club she founded 43 years ago.