Rory McIlroy became emotional while paying tribute to Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, the fathers of two of last year’s girls South Port stabbing attack, BBC Sports Personality of the Year rewards.
McIlroy, masters champion is in the running to win sports personality of the year for the first time, but at Thursday night’s ceremony in Salford, the Northern Irishman rose following a segment honoring Mr Aguiar and Mr Stancombe, the recipients of the Helen Rollason Award.
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Grieving fathers completed the London marathon in April to honor the lives of their daughters, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who were among the three victims of last summer’s Southport stabbing.
Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe receive the Helen Rollason Award during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 (David Davies/PA Wire)
McIlroy, who completed golf’s grand slam by triumphing at the Masters, was asked by BBC presenter Clare Balding that becoming a father had changed the way he viewed his achievements. His young daughter, Poppy, was at Augusta when he won the Masters.
McIlroy paused and said, “I think as a father of a little girl, seeing Alice and Elsie’s father there tonight – they’re two absolute heroes. I just, uh…”
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McIlroy stopped again and there was applause from the crowd as the Northern Irishman blinked.
“I think being a dad makes the losses easier, but it also makes the wins more special. So to share that with Erica and Poppy (is special).
“My family has seen me go through all of this, and so has the public. Everyone has been on this journey with me.”
Speaking at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, Mr Aguiar said: “Thank you everyone for this award, it means a lot to me, my wife and my princess Alice.
“I want to dedicate this award to our three daughters: Alice, Elsie and Bebe. Keep dancing. I want to spread Alice’s magic around the world. I will continue to run and raise money for her foundation.”
