THE WORLD motor racing champion Damon Hill was last night named BBC Television Sports Personality of the Year for 1996. The 36-year-old beat off strong competition from rower: Steve Redgrave, who finished second and also won the Team of the Year award with partner Matthew Pinsent, and jockey Frankie Dettori who was third.

It is the second time that Hill has won the coveted television award, taking it two years ago: after he controversially missed out on the world championship to Michael Schumacher by just one point.

"This really has made my year for me," said Hill, who clinched the Formula One title in Japan in October, after receiving the award from triple jumper Jonathan Edwards who won last year.

"I feel enormously proud to win this award, to stand here among the cream of our country's sportsmen. It is a humbling experience."

Boxer Evander Holyfield and sprint ace Michael Johnson were named as joint winners of the Overseas Personality of the Year award, the first time in history it has been shared.

Holyfield upset the odds to beat Mike Tyson to win the world heavyweight title, while fellow American Johnson became the first man to complete a 200/400 metres Olympic double in Atlanta.

Also in the running was Michelle Smith, who captured Ireland's first Olympic swimming medals in Atlanta, taking three golds and a bronze.