Emotional Rory McIlroy breaks down in tears during BBC SPOTY interview

by · Mail Online

An emotional Rory McIlroy appeared tearful as he paid tribute to the 'inspirational' fathers of two of the young girls murdered in the Southport attacks.

Sergio Aguiar's daughter Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and David Stancombe's daughter Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 were among the three victims of the killings carried out by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024, along with Bebe King, 6.

The two fathers ran the London Marathon earlier this year and received the Helen Rollason Award during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Salford on Thursday night.

McIlroy, one of six nominees for the main award, was asked about his daughter Poppy by Clare Balding during his interview and broke down when discussing Aguiar and Stancombe.

Speaking of his 2025 Masters triumph in April, which came after an agonising 11-yea wait, the Northern Irishman said: 'I didn't make it easy. When you want something so much, the obstacle becomes yourself. When you go through the heartbreaks, it makes it even sweeter.

'Being a father of a little girl, Elsie and Alice's dads are absolute heroes,' McIlroy added, as he struggled to hold back tears.

Rory McIlroy welled up during his interview at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards
McIlroy, one of six nominees for the main award, was asked about his daughter Poppy and paid tribute to the 'inspirational' fathers of two of the young girls murdered in the Southport attacks
Sergio Aguiar (centre, left) and David Stancombe (centre, right) were awarded with the Helen Rollason Award after running the London Marathon after the tragic deaths of their daughters

'Being a dad makes the losses easier, but it makes the good moments even more special, and to share that with Erika and Poppy... my whole family have gone through this and I could feel everyone with me that day.'

David and Sergio, who were presented with their awards by former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler and comedian John Bishop, set out to create lasting legacies for their respective daughters after their tragic deaths. 

During the London Marathon, Sergio raised funds to build a new playground at his daughter Alice's school Churchtown Primary School, were Bebe was also a pupil.

Meanwhile, David ran for the project built in the name of his daughter, Elsie's Story.

Upon being given the honour, David said: 'I'm very grateful to accept the award tonight but I'm just a dad keeping a promise to his little girl.

'Elsie wanted me to run the London Marathon and I did. It gave me a massive focus through the hardest time I've ever lived through.'

Sergio added: 'I want to dedicate this award to our three girls: Alice, Elsie and Bebe. Keep dancing.

'I want to spread Alice's magic across the world. I am going to keep running and raising money for her foundation.' 

Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and  Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 were among the three victims of the killings carried out by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in July 2024
The 2025 Masters champion labelled them 'absolute heroes' as he struggled to hold back tears

The Helen Rollason Award, which was introduced to Sports Personality of the Year in memory of the BBC Sport presenter who died of cancer aged 43 in 1999, recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

McIlroy was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after a sensational 2025 which saw him win the Masters and steer Team Europe to Ryder Cup success on American soil.

Women's footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly were also nominated for their contribution to England's triumphant Euro 2025 success, while Lando Norris is on the six-strong shortlist after winning his first F1 world title with McLaren earlier this month.

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler and Ellie Kildunne also made the final shortlist.