Andy Murray wins SJA British sports awards 2016 sportsman of the year

Andy Murray was awarded as the SJA British Sports Award Sportsman of the Year on Dec. 15. He topped the votes against Olympic gold medallists Max Whitlock and Jason Kenny. He was also named International Tennis Federation's (ITF) World Champion for 2016 along with his brother. Patrick Collins, the president of the SJA, was the one who awarded him the 68th edition recognition.

During the event, Murray was not present to collect his award but he sent a message of gratitude to both fans and the journalists who picked him for the title. "Thank you very much for the award and sorry I can't be there today. I'm currently in Miami and although it's nice and sunny, I am in lot of pain right now getting ready for the new season. I appreciate all the support you guys have given me over the years and it means a lot to win an award like this, especially in an Olympic year with so many deserving athletes.”

The Scot also expressed that he has still room to improve on his play and that he is already looking at a bright future ahead in the coming year.

Recently, Murray has been voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for a record third time. He accepted the award via a video call since he was unable to be present at the time. He took the prize away from former British boxing world champion Lennox Lewis. Murray received 247,419 votes, Brownlee 121,665 and Skelton 109,197.

Murray’s tennis career started when he became the first person from Great Britain to land the number one spot since 1973. He also became the second person to reach the top spot since John Newcombe in 1974.