Some might say it was a case of simply stating the inevitable but in what is certain to be a busy awards period for Andy Murray is amassing silverware by the day back in his home country.
Murray has been named has been named Top Scot of 2013 at the 16th annual Spirit of Scotland Awards, organized by malt whisky brand Glenfiddich and The Scotsman newspaper.
He also won the sport category in the awards for the second time and at another function was named Sportsperson of the Year by Commonwealth Games Scotland. Now the British Lawn Tennis Writers Association will again bestow him with their annual award.
Murray becoming Wimbledon champion since Fred Perry in 1936 left no room for maneuver. Although he is currently training in Miami so was not in Glasgow to accept the Scottish awards and will also be absent on Tuesday from the LTWA annual awards lunch at scene of his July triumph at the All England Club.
He sent a special message from his Floridian base to Spirit of Scotland Awards ceremony at the Prestonfield Hotel saying: “I’m really sorry I can’t be with you. “I’m over training in Miami recovering from my back surgery. I’m very proud to have won the Top Scot and the best sportsman award.
“The Scottish public have supported me always, whether winning or losing or making inappropriate jokes about the English football team. They have always stuck behind me and I really appreciate that.”
His mother Judy, accepting on her son’s behalf, said: “said: “The Spirit of Scotland Awards are a fantastic event. I’ve been a couple of times in the past and Andy won the sports award once before, but this is the first time he’s won the Top Scot award.
“He was absolutely delighted when he heard about it. It’s always great to be recognized in your own country, so this is a big thing for him. Ian Stewart, editor of The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday, said: “Andy Murray has for a long time been a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and for Scottish sport. He was already a Grand Slam winner and the holder of Olympic gold.
“But even in the high-achieving world of Andy Murray, winning Wimbledon was special, and it is only right that is marked and celebrated. 2013 was a momentous year for Andy Murray, and this award is a fitting accolade.”
The prize for winning the Commonwealth Games Scotland award was the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy, two Business Class flights to Dubai courtesy of sponsor Emirates and a check for £1,000. Ironically Murray is however unlikely to contest next February’s Dubai Duty Free Championships.
Murray, who was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List and is hot favorite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year later this month.
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