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Andy Murray crowned 2013 Sports Personality of the Year

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray wins the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2013.

Andy Murray has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2013.

The 26-year-old Scot followed up Olympic and US Open glory in 2012 by becoming the first British player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry triumphed 77 years ago.

Murray, who was unable to attend tonight's ceremony in Leeds as he continues to recover from back surgery at his training base in Miami, is the fourth tennis star to be honoured after Ann Jones (1969), Virginia Wade (1977) and Greg Rusedski (1997).

"I've got a few people to thank - my family first," he said after receiving the award from 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova. "A lot are there in the crowd. They've supported me since I was a kid, making a lot of sacrifices for me. I couldn't have done it without you.

"And finally I'd like to thank all the public who voted, for giving me so much support over the last couple of years. It has made a huge difference. I know sometimes I'm not the easiest person to support but I've had a lot of pressure on me for a long time. I'm glad I managed to do it.

"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."

British and Irish Lions hero Leigh Halfpenny came in second place, with champion jockey A.P McCoy finishing third.

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