Grey-Thompson finished third in the voting

"In 1984, that dream came through and I came to the Sports Review of the Year and something else caught my eye.

"I've been to these awards 16 times and have been short-listed six times, but I had to hint at retiring to win.

"Seriously, it's a very fitting end to my career; a very special award for a very special year."

Redgrave paid tribute to four people; coaches Jurgen Grobler, Miles Bracklyn and former teacher Francis Smith, as well as long-time colleague Matthew Pinsent.

Pinsent had "never been jealous and always supportive", Redgrave said.

In a phenomenal year for British sport, the many contenders for the top award were reduced to a short-list of six: Redgrave, Lewis, David Beckham, Lennox Lewis, Audley Harrison and Grey-Thompson.

The ultimate winner was decided by a final telephone poll on the night.

Sir Steve?

Grobler, the coach who guided Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster and James Cracknell to their coxless fours gold, received the Coach of the Year accolade.

His achievement was lauded by Redgrave as a "special award for a special man".

In turn, Grobler described Redgrave as "not just Great Britain's hero, but everyone's hero".

Redgrave also shared in the first award of the night, as the British Olympic and Paralympic athletes won the Team of the Year award for their combined efforts in Sydney.

Pinsent, Team GB's rowing captain who won his third Olympic gold in Sydney, received the award on behalf of his colleagues.

Tiger Woods dominated golf in 2000

The second prize of the night went to US golf superstar Tiger Woods, who received the Overseas Personality of the Year award.

Woods was presented with his trophy by BBC golf expert Ken Brown.

Woods said: "It's been a very special year. I have worked hard for what I have achieved this year, but you also need a bit of luck, and I hope that the luck continues."

Woods won three majors - the US Open, the British Open and the USPGA - to dominate the world of golf in 2000.

The special Helen Rollason Award for sports achievement went to Britain's Paralympic poster girl Grey-Thompson.

Button defied expectations is his debut season

The Birmingham-based athlete won gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m events in Sydney.

In total, she has won 14 Olympic medals and her latest accolade follows two BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The Newcomer of the Year award, in its second year, went to Britain's motor racing prodigy Jenson Button, who finished in eighth place in his debut Formula One World Championship season.

He was presented with his award by motor racing legend Jackie Stewart, who praised his "remarkable" year and paid tribute to Button's "mind-management" skills.