Record-breaking swimmer Michael Phelps has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The 31-year-old American is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning his 23rd Olympic gold in his final Games in Rio.

Phelps claimed five golds and a silver this year to take his overall tally to 23 golds, three silvers and two bronze.

"I'm thrilled to receive the prestigious Sports Personality lifetime achievement award and follow in the footsteps of so many sporting greats," Phelps told BBC Sport.

"It is a fitting way to end what has been an unbelievable year for me and I'm looking forward to what will be a great night."

The Team USA swimmer joins a star-studded list of previous lifetime award winners including former footballer Pele and golf legend Seve Ballesteros.