Search
shop

British Olympic and World triathlon champion Alex Yee wins prestigious UK sports award

Olympic and World champion received the award live on major UK network Sky Sports on Wednesday.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Alex Yee has really taken triathlon mainstream in the UK in 2024, and he raised things a further level on Wednesday by claiming a prestigious sports award.

The brilliant 26-year-old wowed a nation – along with millions of fans more around the world – when he produced that epic final surge to Olympics gold at Paris 2024 back on July 31. His victory over gallant Kiwi Hayden Wilde was one of THE moments of the Games.

Three months later Alex was again hitting the headlines when he became World Champion for the first time after clinching the title at the WTCS Grand Final in Torremolinos. It’s been quite a 12 months for the young Londoner.

The plaudits quite rightly have been flooding in for this incredible sporting talent, and another one arrived on Wednesday when he was named the SJA Sportsman of the Year for 2024 – an award voted for by the SJA (Sports Journalists’ Association) – the biggest organisation of its kind in the world, made up of over 900 sports media professionals.

Advertisement

Yee follows in footsteps of legends

The event has a prestigious 75-year history and previous winners include David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Emma Raducanu, Torvill and Dean, and the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning England team.

Yee’s honour was just one of the British Sports Awards, which date back to 1949. The Sportswoman of the Year award was claimed by Britain’s Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson.

Alex accepted his award live on major UK TV network Sky Sports, and when hearing of all those incredible past winners, he admitted: “It’s absolutely crazy to hear so many sporting icons of my youth that I grew up watching and was inspired by. So to be able to be in that position, it’s pretty bonkers to be honest so I’m really really proud to have been given this – and yeah, what a massive honour.”

SPOTY next for Alex Yee?

In a year where Yee has won so much and inspired so many with his exploits, there is of course one more major award that he could be in the running for – at least we very much hope so. That is the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year award (SPOTY).

The winner of that award will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Sunday December 15, and before that a six-person shortlist will be revealed.

Triathlon has already come close to winning that iconic prize once – when double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee finished second behind tennis great Andy Murray in 2016.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Hoala Training Swim Kona 2025 3
Sid’s day one diary from Kona: LCB shows who’s boss in Ho’ala Training Swim as excitement builds
Lucy Charles Barclay wins 2023 IRONMAN World Championship photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship at Kona 2025: Lucy Charles-Barclay predicts new course record
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Toulouse proposal 2025
Star triathlete wins biggest race of her career – and then accepts marriage proposal on podium!
Jeanne Lehair wins Supertri Toulouse 2025
Supertri Toulouse 2025 women’s results: Jeanne Lehair wins race and title – and then says YES to marriage proposal
Lehmann Rider Vilaca podium Supertri Toulouse 2025
Supertri Toulouse 2025 men’s results: Lehmann lands title in PERFECT style at Grand Final
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...