HOW much winning such an iconic award meant to Luke Littler and his family was clear to the millions watching BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 on television on Tuesday night.

As he rose to go on stage to receive the young award, his father Anthony Buckley dived in with a hug and kiss and then his mother Lisa Littler did the same.

It was affirmation, if you like, that the Warrington 17-year-old’s darting prowess over the past 12 months has captured the imagination of the nation.

The likes of household names Jenson Button, Wayne Rooney, Andy Murray, Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds and Phil Foden have previously been crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year since its inception in 1999.

Littler was also second in the voting for the main sports personality prize at the end of a year which began with him, aged 16, becoming the youngest player to reach the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, which attracted record viewing figures.

Finishing as runner-up to Luke Humphries, the historic run made Littler one of the most talked-about teenagers in Britain and he subsequently went on to be crowned Premier League champion and win both the Grand Slam of Darts and World Series Finals while attracting a whole new audience to the sport.

As he accepted his award at Tuesday’s ceremony in Salford, the now 17-year-old said on stage: “It goes to show how well I’ve done this year.

“But not only myself, (we) changed the sport of darts, all the other professionals, but I have played a big part in it.”

Asked about inspiring people, he said: “I know the amount of academies that have been brought up in different locations, how big the sport has got, tickets selling out for Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace, for the ongoing World Championship) in hours, and the Premier League, they sold out quick as well.

“It just goes to show how much I’ve changed it.”

Littler’s Premier League success made him the youngest ever winner of a PDC title, and his victory last month at the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts made him just the fourth player in history to win 10 trophies in one season.

As he targets World Championship glory and starts his campaign on Saturday, his earnings for the year have surpassed £1million.

Olympic skateboarder Sky Brown and para-swimmer Will Ellard were the other nominees on the young personality shortlist, while England cricketer Joe Root was third in the public vote for the top prize.