Skelton claims third in BBC Sports Personality of the Year contest

SHOWJUMPING legend Nick Skelton capped a brilliant year by finishing third in Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year contest.

The 58-year-old, who lives near Alcester, was pipped to the post by winner Andy Murray and second-placed Alistair Brownlee at the ceremony in Birmingham.

Skelton became Great Britain’s second oldest Olympic gold medallist when he won the individual showjumping title in Rio.

Murray claimed the award after winning Wimbledon, Olympic gold and finishing the season as the world's top-ranked tennis player.

The Scot thanked his team, parents and wife Kim, joking that he had a "bone to pick" with her after she told him she had voted for Skelton.

He said: “I have a bone to pick with my wife who told me about an hour ago she had voted for Nick Skelton - not wise with Christmas coming up!"

Skelton tweeted: "Thank you everyone for voting. A great end to a great year. Well done to Andy Murray."

Skelton's son Dan, a successful racehorse trainer, said: "We've had a great night and we're very proud of dad. What a year he's had."

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