London, Dec 15 (AFP) Roger Federer has been voted BBCoverseas sports personality of the year for a record fourthtime after an astonishing season during which he picked up twomore Grand Slam titles.
The Swiss, 36, returned from six months out with kneetrouble to win the Australian Open before picking up a recordeighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5record, ranked world number two behind his great rival RafaelNadal.
Federer previously won the award, which is voted for bythe public, in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Muhammad Ali and UsainBolt have each won it three times.
"It makes me incredibly proud that the UK public havechosen me as the BBC overseas sports personality of the yearfor 2017," said Federer.
"The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I'm hereis amazing and to be recognised on the shortlist alongsidesome of the greatest sports people of all time is extremelyhumbling."He overcame competition from American footballquarterback Tom Brady, swimmer Katie Ledecky, para-athleteTatyana McFadden, athlete Sally Pearson, and darts playerMichael van Gerwen.
Federer and the other award winners will be honouredduring Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony inLiverpool. (AFP)APA.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.