Zara named Sports Personality of the Year

Dec 11, 2006, 13:50 GMT

Britain's Zara Phillips has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Zara scooped the prestigious award - voted for by the public and given annually to one British sports personality - after winning a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in August.

The royal - the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth - follows in the footstep of her mother, Princess Anne, who won the BBC accolade 35 years ago for her own equestrian performances.

The 25-year-old dedicated the trophy to the memory of her close friend Sherelle Duke, who was killed aged 28 in a horse-riding accident in August.

In her acceptance speech, Zara - who was also named Equestrian of the Year in September - said she never expected to win.

She said: "I am actually shaking. I wasn't expecting it at all. Thank you to all the voters. It's amazing to be here."

The young royal also paid tribute to her parents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips - who divorced in 1992.

She added: "It's the first time two members of the same family have won the award that's very special. Both my parents are massive influences."

Zara won with 32 per cent of the public vote. Ryder-Cup golfer Darren Clarke was runner-up with 21 per cent and gymnast Beth Tweddle came in third place.

(C) BANG Media International