THE bookies must have made a killing on the BBC Sports Personality of The Year because my money was on Lewis Hamilton.

Dec 16 2008 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Chris Hoy’s Olympic achievements were amazing and I’m not trying to belittle what he’s done because I appreciate what challenges these cyclists put themselves through.

I know it’s slightly different, but from seeing Irish guys like Stephen Roche excelling in the Tour de France I realise how tough it is to have that sort of success in the saddle.

For me, though, the only winner was Hamilton so Hoy winning was a major shock.

I have nothing but respect for Formula One drivers because these guys put their lives on the line every time they get behind the wheel. A few years ago myself and Roy Keane went to the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours as a guest of Eddie Jordan and it was a frightening experience.

The noise and speed of the cars was enough to scare me and I felt sorry for the mechanics who were standing a foot away from the cars as they whizzed into the pits.

For these drivers to risk racing around at such fantastic speeds is amazing – and Hamilton has proved he has no fear whatsoever.

He has breezed in and won the world championship in only his second year at such a young age. And the way that he has conducted himself with dignity and humility makes him a role model and my sports personality of the year.