Golf superstar Rory McIlroy delivered an emotional tribute to two "hero" fathers during his acceptance speech after winning the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Wednesday evening.
An Evening of Tribute and Triumph
The ceremony at BBC Sport's Salford headquarters was profoundly moving, with the Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in adversity presented earlier in the night. The recipients were David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, whose young daughters were among the victims of the July 2024 mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport.
David's seven-year-old daughter Elsie and Sergio's nine-year-old daughter Alice lost their lives in the attack, which also claimed the life of six-year-old Bebe King. In a powerful response to their grief, both fathers completed the 2025 London Marathon in April, less than a year after the tragedy.
Sergio ran to raise money for a new playground at Churchtown Primary School, which Alice and Bebe had attended. David undertook the 26-mile challenge to fund Elsie's Story, a project in his daughter's memory.
"Just a Dad Keeping a Promise"
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler and comedian John Bishop presented the award to the two men. A humble David Stancombe stated, "I'm very grateful to accept the award tonight but I'm just a dad keeping a promise to his little girl." He explained that Elsie had wanted him to run the marathon, and doing so gave him a crucial focus during the darkest period of his life.
Sergio Aguiar, visibly emotional, dedicated the award to Alice, Elsie, and Bebe, urging them to "keep dancing." He vowed to continue running and fundraising for Alice's foundation, aiming to spread her magic across the world.
McIlroy's Masters Win and Personal Reflection
Following a warm ovation for the fathers, Rory McIlroy took to the stage as the bookmakers' favourite, having enjoyed a glittering year crowned by his long-awaited victory at The Masters in April 2025. Speaking to host Clare Balding, he reflected on his 14-year journey to claim the green jacket, stating the heartbreaks made the triumph even sweeter.
However, McIlroy's composure broke when Balding asked how fatherhood had changed his perspective on his golfing achievements. Fighting back tears, the Northern Irishman, who has a young daughter named Poppy, immediately referenced the two fathers honoured earlier.
"I think being the father of a little girl, seeing Alice and Elsie's dads up there tonight, they are two absolute heroes," McIlroy said. He explained that while parenthood makes losses easier to bear, it also makes the good moments, like his Masters win, more special to share with his family.
He concluded by recalling the viral video of Poppy sinking a long putt during the traditional Wednesday practice round at Augusta, a joyful family moment shared with friends including fellow golfer Tommy Fleetwood.
The evening powerfully intertwined sporting excellence with profound human resilience, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
