Darren Clarke came second to World Equestrian Champion Zara Phillips in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. The Northern Irishman, was nominated for the award following his inspirational performance during The Ryder Cup at The K Club just a few weeks after the loss of his wife, Heather, to cancer.
Clarke was unbeaten, winning three points out of three, as Europe secured a record-equalling 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 point victory over the United States in September. The European Ryder Cup Team, captained by Ian Woosnam, also narrowly missed out on the Team Award which was won by St Helens all conquering Rugby League team.
Phillips, the whose mother, The Princess Royal, won the coveted award in 1971, won the individual gold on Toytown in the three-day eventing competition. She produced a near faultless performance over the three days of dressage, cross country and show jumping.
The Queen's grand-daughter also helped Great Britain claim the team silver and she also became only the third rider to hold the European and World titles at the same time.
Gymnast Beth Tweddle came third after becaming the first British gymnast to win a gold at the European Championships on the uneven bars and then surpassed that achievement by claiming Britain's first ever gold medal at the World Championships in the same discipline.
"To win this is absolutely amazing," Phillips said.
St Helens' Australian coach Daniel Anderson also picked up coach of the year.
World Number One tennis player Roger Federer won the Overseas Personality award, beating Tiger Woods to the honour, while 11-times Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Helen Rollason award for courage and achievement went to snooker player Paul Hunter who died in October at the age of 27 after losing his battle against cancer.
