"It was a phenomenal year. There are so many people in this room, but the common denominator in people who are the best at what they do is hard work," says the Open champion.

"This was the trophy I dreamed of winning as a little boy, to have my mother there was special. It makes me a little emotional. It was a special moment and one I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

"I'll let people make comparisons to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. I'm just trying to win as many majors as I can and see where that takes me."

More dry ice as Rory McIlroy walks on stage holding the Open trophy. At this rate, they'll need another dry ice machine.

"The Green Jacket, that's the one I'm aiming for next year, that would be the career Grand Slam, it would be a huge thing to achieve at 25 years of age," says McIlroy when asked about next year's Masters in Augusta.

Graeme Swann
Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"Rory's had a phenomenal year. He's reached the Woods level and even surpassed it. He basically won the Ryder Cup by stamping his authority."

Image source, Other

"He's a great role model and great icon for Europe" - 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell on Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy's year in a nutshell

- Golf's world number one won two more major titles.

- Victory at the Open Championship secured him the third leg of a career Grand Slam.

- Three weeks later, the Northern Irishman became first player from the UK to win back-to-back majors by claiming second US PGA title.

- Won three points as Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

BBC Radio 5 live

Young Sports Personality of the Year Claudia Fragapane on BBC Radio 5 live: "I've one a few trophies but did not expect to win this. It was scary speaking to so many people, it was so emotional, it was just horrible.

"Our main aim was to get the team gold and after that it was like job done. I still can't believe I've won it. It's absolutely incredible, I'm so overwhelmed."

Image source, @Claudia_Frag

How do you celebrate winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award? With a cheery picture of yourself in the audience, of course. Claudia Fragapagne even used the #spotyselfie Twitter hashtag. Impressive.

Speaking in front of an audience of thousands is a knee-knocking experience so it's no wonder Kelly Gallagher says: "I'd rather be skiing than up here.

"We wanted gold medals and that's what we wanted every time we were up there," Gallagher adds. "People were joking on Twitter, using the hashtag #historymakers. I would love to be able to drive a car or ride a horse. Skiing's the only thing where I'm allowed to go at 75mph. My parents have always been really supportive when I was down and didn't think I could it. To stand on top of the mountain and to go down it is the best job in the world."

Charlotte Evans MBE, who won gold at the women's Super-G , externalin the 2014 Winter Paralympics alongside Kelly Gallagher: "I never dreamt I'd get invited to #SPOTY2014 let alone be nominated for it. What a year, the support has been incredible. Thanks EVERYONE."

Image source, Other

"They are amazing - an absolute team" - the 1972 BBC Sports Personality Dame Mary Peters on Winter Paralympic gold medallists Kelly Gallagher and guide Charlotte Evans.

Gallagher & Evans's year in a nutshell

- Won Great Britain's first ever Winter Paralympics gold medal - in the visually impaired Super-G event in Sochi.

- Gallagher goes down the slopes at 100km/h despite having little vision.

- Evans provides audio commentary, relayed through a Bluetooth earpiece.

- The pair were awarded MBEs for services to visually impaired sport.

Image source, @HelenGloverGB

British Olympic and world rowing champion Helen Glover:, external I think they put me in the wrong seat by mistake! What legends! Paula Radcliffe and Chris Hoy.

"It's unbelievable. That night at Wembley my whole career was on the line so to finish like that was fantastic," says Froch.

"It was difficult to take in the crowd, you are so focused on your game plan. I've been some unbelievable fights but to lay that punch on George Groves can define my career. I'm not the most talented but I'm still here.

"I put myself under a lot of pressure due to the needle. I could feel the weight for three or four months missing my partner Rachael and two kids. When that punch landed I felt relief and satisfaction that he would never get up."

Graeme Swann
Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"Carl Froch is cherished, pubs in Nottingham will operate a one in, one out policy just to watch him."

"Let's get ready to rumble," says a stadium announcer as the Hydro turns into a boxing arena. Anticipation rises... will And and Dec make an appearance? No, nope, it's Carl Froch on his own who walks on to chat to Gabby Logan. Three men are caught taking pictures of the boxer as he strides towards Logan. "I'm not the most talented fighter, but there's something inside me which refuses to quit," says Froch.

Image source, Other

"He is ridiculously tough, with an incredible ability to digest pain" - 1985 BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner Barry McGuigan on boxing world champion Carl Froch.

Froch's year in a nutshell

- Carl 'The Cobra' Froch retained his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles against bitter rival George Groves.

- After a controversial bout in November 2013, the two met again in front of a British record 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in May.

- Nottingham's Froch knocked Groves out in the eighth round with a right hand described as one of the best punches in British boxing history.

- After the fight he got down on one knee in the ring to propose to his partner Rachael Cordingley, a model, with whom he has two young children.

There's talk of upper cuts and knockout blows, which must mean we're moving on to the next contender, Carl Froch.

Graeme Swann
Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's phenomenal. These guys went to war to make the ultimate sacrifice and the fact they have gone through all of this and made something positive of the horrific situation they find themselves.

"In cricket we've had one person die, but these people have lost plenty of their best mates. It's very humbling."

Alice Goring:, external Hahaa my boyfriend just texted me saying me and Dean Golding, Charlotte Dujardin's boyfriend, have a lot in common #horsesfirst

Sarah W:, external Jo Pavey has totally made me cry. She should be the role model that young girls look up to, not any member of the Kardashian family.

Alexandra Bassingham:, external Fab to see Claudia Fragapane winning BBC's young SPOTY. Well deserved - what a talent and what a moment for her and her family.

"To use the phrase blown away is inappropriate but we were," says Dave Henson. "We expected Aldershot but we were given the Olympic Stadium. It's absolutely overwhelming."

"I'm like a proud dad," says Prince Harry, much to the amusement of the crowd.

Applause turns into a standing ovation for the competitors of the Invictus Games and a warm smile from Prince Harry awaits them all on stage. Prince Harry makes the presentation to the captain of Great Britain's team Dave Henson.

"We should not underestimate the power of sport, that changes life," says Prince Harry before presenting the award. "All of those who complete in the Invictus Games have achieved so much just to make it to the starting line-up.

"They showed what can be achieved if you have the will. They also came together to say thank you for the unwavering support throughout their recovery and remember those who weren't so lucky. They are Invictus."