Giggs stunned by award
Ryan Giggs had no speech prepared after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
This was typical of one of football's most humble and unassuming characters, writes Stewart Coggin. The 36-year-old looked genuinely taken aback, as if he didn't even consider the prospect of beating the favourite, Formula One champion Jenson Button.
"This is a big shock," admitted the Manchester United winger in front of 11,000 people at the Sheffield Arena. "I'd like to thank the BBC for putting on a brilliant night and to thank everyone who voted for me.
"Honestly, this feels unbelievable. I've been lucky enough to win a lot of things in my career, playing with great players, playing for the greatest manager that's ever lived, and playing for the greatest club.
"I grew up watching the Sports Personality programme and to join the greats who have won it is unbelievable. A huge thank you again to everyone."
beautiful cross
When players reach their mid-30s, a steady decline has often set in, but Giggs seems to be using all the experience he has picked up since making his league debut as a 17-year-old. Whether beating a full-back with a piece of trickery or curling a beautiful cross in with his wand of a left foot, Giggs exudes class and remains a key component of Sir Alex Ferguson's United side.
One of Giggs' finest performances of the year came in the 4-3 derby win over neighbours Manchester City in September. His weaving runs were too much for Micah Richards on that day as United sealed a famous victory. He set up three goals, including Michael Owen's late winner. Giggs' performance resembled that of a 26-year-old in peak form, not someone a decade older and in the final throes of a long career.
His superb fitness levels and general consistency have convinced Ferguson to offer the Welshman a fresh one-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2011.
Giggs finished ahead of Jenson Button and Jessica Ennis in the final reckoning.
genuine legends
"The names of genuine legends of world sport are on this trophy. I never dreamed I would win it," he told the BBC.
"To win the Formula 1 World Championship was a great achievement for Jenson and I watched Jessica win the world heptathlon gold, which was unbelievable.
"I'm really pleased and am in total shock to win the award, and just tremendously proud.
"I was honestly surprised just to be on the list of nominees."
Historically, this award win was no mean feat, either. Prior to Sunday night, only four footballers have won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year since it started in 1954: Booby Moore, Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen and David Beckham.
Moore won the award after helping inspire England to their only World Cup victory on home turf in 1966. The elegant West Ham United defender was the first player to win it and remained the only footballer to do so for 24 years.
sublime goal
Gascoigne won it in 1990 after a fine World Cup campaign for England. He was outstanding in the semi-final against Germany which England ultimately lost on penalties. It was such displays that helped Tottenham finish third that season, the last time they have ended the campaign that high.
When one thinks of England's 1998 World Cup campaign, arguably the first moment that springs to mind is Owen's sublime goal against Argentina in the second round. The 1997/98 campaign was his first full season in English football and he was rewarded for bursting onto the scene so suddenly by winning the award in 1998.
The last footballer to claim it prior to Giggs was his then Manchester United team-mate Beckham in 2001. The stoppage time free-kick he scored for England enabled the national side to qualify automatically for the 2002 World Cup. He helped guide United to the league title that year.
The past 10 years' winners
2000 Steve Redgrave (ENG) Rowing
2001 David Beckham (ENG) Football
2002 Paula Radcliffe (ENG) Athletics
2003 Jonny Wilkinson (ENG) Rugby union
2004 Kelly Holmes (ENG) Athletics
2005 Andrew Flintoff (ENG) Cricket
2006 Zara Phillips (ENG) Eventing
2007 Joe Calzaghe (WAL) Boxing
2008 Chris Hoy (SCO) Cycling
2009 Ryan Giggs (WAL) Football
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