Kelly Holmes was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year with an overwhelming victory in a public vote.
The double Olympic gold medallist beat rowing's Matthew Pinsent, with cricketer Andrew Flintoff in third.
Pinsent did pick up a consolation when he and his coxless four crew were named Team of the Year for their victory at the Athens Olympics.
In total there were eight awards on a star-studded night of sporting celebration at BBC Television Centre.
AWARDS IN FULL
Sports Personality of the Year - Kelly Holmes
The honour capped a wonderful year for the athlete, who enjoyed a sensational six days at the Athens Olympics when she won gold in the 800m and 1500m.
Team of the Year - GB Olympic men's coxless four
Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell, Ed Coode and Steve Williams won the award for their astounding success in Athensedged out Canada in a dramatic finale.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Ian Botham
The legendary all-rounder played 102 Tests for England, amassed 383 Test wickets and 5,200 runs and was a firm favourite with fans.
Coach of the Year - Arsene Wenger
The Arsenal manager won the Coach of the Year award after 12 months during which he guided his team to new heights in domestic football.
The Frenchman oversaw a third Premiership-winning campaign at the club's helm as his side went through the entire season unbeaten.
Wenger had previously been widely ridiculed when he claimed he thought such a feat was possible.
But he had the last laugh as his team won 26 and drew 12 of their 38 games.
Overseas Personality of the Year - Roger Federer
Tennis' world number one has swept almost all before him in the world of tennis since winning the 2004 Australian Open title.
He has since become the first man since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three Grand Slams in one season, adding Wimbledon and the US Open to his haul.
In total he won 13 titles this season, an Open-era record eclipsing the 12 won by John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.
The Swiss star has also played with a smile and won the Overseas Personality of the Year award.
Young Personality of the Year - Andrew Murray
The Scot was named Young Sports Personality of the Year.
The 17-year-old has made giant strides in the world of tennis in the past 12 months, during which time he won the US Open juniors title.
Barcelona-based Murray also won a Futures event in Italy and has been tipped for greatness by former world number one Carlos Moya of Spain.
Murray has set his sights on a place in the world's top 100 and aims to be in the top 50 by the end of 2005.
Helen Rollason Award - Kirsty Howard
Terminally ill nine-year-old Kirsty Howard was presented with the Helen Rollason Award, named after the former BBC presenter and given for showing courage in adversity.
Kirsty was chosen for the incredible courage and determination she has shown in raising money for other children.
Unsung Hero Award - Abdullah Ben-Kmayal
Awarded for the winner's dedication to Bethwin Football Club.
"Ben" was asked by a group of children on his Peckham estate in London to enter them into a football tournament.
Today, 14 years on, Bethwin comprises 16 teams with more than 350 children participating in various age groups.
The 30-year-old has given up his job and spent his personal savings to keep Bethwin going but hopes to attract some long-term funding in the future.