Lord Sebastian Coe described winning the Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year gala as "a night I'll never forget".
Lord Coe, British Olympic Association chairman, took on the position of chairman of the London 2012 bid team in 2004 and played a key role in securing the vote ahead of a bid from Paris.
The 56-year-old, who won Olympic gold twice during his athletics career, was the figurehead of the Games, speaking with gravitas at the opening and closing ceremonies.
After receiving his award from The Duchess of Cambridge, Lord Coe said: "Your royal highness... I guess it's just another quiet night in an East London Olympic venue...
"I am so flattered and honoured to receive this. You only have to tip toe through the previous winners to know just how flattered I am. I am so incredibly lucky. I really wish my parents had been here tonight.
"This is for all the people who came to the venues or who watched at home and to the athletes. This is a night I'll never forget."