Gareth Thomas celebrates a memorable year
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Wales and Lions captain Gareth Thomas has been crowned BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year for 2005.
In a memorable Lions year, Thomas won the Heineken Cup with Toulouse, and led Wales to a first Grand Slam in 27 years and a first win over Australia in 18.
Thomas - who also saw his Wales side win Team of the Year - beat Ryan Giggs, Stephen Dodd, Joe Calzaghe, David Davies and Simon Jones to the award.
Chaz Davies and Non Stanford won the Carwyn James youngster awards.
Swansea middle-distance runner Stanford, 16, won the junior mini marathon for the fourth time.
Presteigne-born Davies, 18, competes in the 250cc MotoGP world championship.
Olympic gold medal-winning long jumper Lynn Davies won the merit award for outstanding contribution to Welsh sport.
The unsung hero prize went to Mary Lewis of Swansea Valley Swimming Club.
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Every member of the Wales side and all the back-room staff have been part of a dream that we made come true
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Thomas was keen to pay tribute to his Welsh team-mates.
"It's been a great year for us all, I can't believe I do something that I love and get recognition like this," he said.
"Every member of the Wales side and all the back-room staff have been part of a dream that we made come true.
"My team mates with Toulouse and the Lions have also been just superb.
"But I have to thank my family more than anything, they've stood by me through everything.
"I don't think I could have won more this year if I'd wanted to!"
Lynn Davies added: "Welsh sport is on the up and up, I feel so proud to be a Welshman, seeing the achievements of the six world-class competitors up for the main award.
"It was a big surprise and an honour to win the merit award."
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