Zara Tindall reveals the disbelief she felt after winning BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 as she joins the star-studded line-up in a pre-recorded message for this year’s awards
Zara Tindall has admitted she was in disbelief after winning BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year 17 years ago – and even wondered if it was ‘a joke’.
Princess Anne’s daughter, 42, was among previous recipients of the acclaimed title – including football icon David Beckham and tennis star Emma Raducanu – who recorded a heartfelt video message for tonight’s awards ceremonies, which take place this evening.
“It was an incredible thing to get it through the public,” she said in the short clip. ‘As a winning sports personality I thought: ‘is this a joke?’
Zara – an avid athlete – received the honor in 2006 after winning the World Eventing Championship in Aachen, Germany.
The mother of three regularly competes in equestrian events and has previously won a number of Olympic and championship medals.
Zara Tindall has admitted she was in disbelief after winning BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year 17 years ago – and even wondered if it was ‘a joke’
She opted for a relaxed look in the video, with a cozy black turtleneck.
King Charles’ niece also put her blonde locks up, keeping the accessories minimal with some simple earrings.
Zara showed her enthusiasm for the sport this weekend as she enjoyed a day out at Cheltenham Racecourse.
She dressed warmly in the tie-waist coat and beige turtleneck for the December races in Gloucestershire on Saturday afternoon.
The royal completed her elegant ensemble with sleek gray trousers and suede heeled boots. Zara wore a wide brim, black hat and opted for simple pearl earrings for the occasion.
She was without her husband, Mike, and their three children Mia, nine, and Lena, five, and Lucas, two, for race day, which is a usual meeting point for the royal family.
Zara was also spotted at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday, joined by Mike, 45, for day one of the venue’s seasonal festivities.
The equestrian champion and eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II also recently announced that her professional riding career has become “very part-time now” so she can spend more time with her three young children.
Zara – an avid athlete – received the honor in 2006 after winning the World Eventing Championship in Aachen, Germany
Princess Anne’s daughter, 42, was among previous recipients of the acclaimed title – including football icon David Beckham and tennis star Emma Raducanu – to record a message for tonight’s awards ceremonies, which take place this evening.
The winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award will be announced tonight.
Mary Earps is the frontrunner to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year after being shortlisted from six.
The England goalkeeper, 30, is the odds-on bookmakers’ favorite to become the second Lioness in a row to lift the coveted award following Beth Mead’s win last year.
The footballer is known as Mary Queen of Stops and will face competition from Ashes hero Stuart Broad and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
Veteran jockey Frankie Dettori, Europe’s Ryder Cup talisman Rory McIlroy and wheelchair tennis number 1 Alfie Hewett have also been nominated for the prestigious award.
The athlete who tops the public vote tonight will become SPOTY’s 70th winner.