Next Tuesday, 17 December, the six nominees for this prestigious accolade will be presented to the viewing public live on BBC1.
The programme will also contain a review of the sporting year, one which has included The Olympic Games in Paris and UEFA European Championship in Germany.
By Sporty Sam
We know that Christmas is nigh, and not just because of all the Christmas items for sale in the shops, municipal Christmas Trees everywhere and all the Christmas-themed films on the telly.
Tomorrow evening, Saturday 14 December, it’s the grand finale of “Strictly Come Dancing” and next Tuesday, 17 December it’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024. Just over a week after that it’s Christmas Day.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024
The shortlist of six candidates was announced just over a week ago.
Presenters Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott will guide us through a night packed with highlights from 2024’s most exhilarating sporting moments.
Note the absence of Gary Lineker who has been dropped as lead presenter. His contract with the BBC ends in 2025.
The winner’s name gets called live on the evening, based on viewers having cast their votes in the run-up to this finale and also on the night.
The shortlist
The shortlist was put together by a panel of sporting royalty and top sporting journalists including Dame Laura Kenny, Ade Adepitan, and sports journalists from the Athletic and PA media, alongside the BBC’s own big sporting legends.
But the real decision lies with the fans, based on their votes.
Who’s got what it takes to take home the trophy? Let’s meet the contenders: four men and two women from six different sports.
The nominees are:
Jude Bellingham
The boy wonder taking modern English football to new heights. Jude is English football’s golden boy who lit up the Bernabeu in his debut season with Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and bagging a Champions League winner’s medal.
Keely Hodgkinson
The golden girl of the track. After years of heartbreak, Keely finally struck Olympic gold in the 800m, dominating the track and becoming just the 10th British woman to win athletics gold.
Luke Littler
The teenage darts sensation. Just 16 years old, fresh from taking his GCSEs, and this darts prodigy has already taken the PDC World Championship by storm – straight from the classroom to centre stage. With over £1m in winnings and records shattered, he is looking like the future of darts.
Joe Root
Arguably, England’s cricketing GOAT. Former England cricket captain, since being relieved of that responsibility Joe has smashed records left, right, and centre this year, passing Alastair Cook as England’s top Test run-scorer.
Dame Sarah Storey
Paralympic royalty. Three decades on from her first gold, Dame Sarah Storey keeps the medals coming. Her double gold in Paris this year cemented her as Britain’s most decorated Paralympian with a staggering 30 medals.
Ale
x Yee
The London-born triathlon star who has sprinted into stardom. Alex sprinted into history with Olympic gold and a world title, showing he’s not just fast – he’s unstoppable. His breathtaking finishes have made him the big name to watch in triathlon.
Other awards will be made during the televised broadcast, including
- World Sport Star of the Year
- Young Sports Personality of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Who will make history?
Last year’s winner, Mary Earps, brought women’s football glory to the BBC podium as a member of the English Lionesses national team.
In 2024 will it be another footballer? Or will a new star rise to the top? Bookies' favourite is Keely Hodgkinson.
Tune in on December 17 to see who takes the crown!
© Sporty Sam
Acknowledgements:
BBC
Euro Weekly News
Google
Marc Menendez-Roche
Photos:
20 Minutos
BBC
Evening Standard
La Liga
Olympics
Runner's World
The Independent
Tags:
20 Minutos, Alex Scott, Alex Yee, BBC, BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024, Clare Balding, Dame Sarah Storey, Evening Standard, Gabby Logan, Joe Root, Jude Bellingham, Keely Hodgkinson, La Liga, Luke Littler, Marc Menendez-Roche, Olympic Games in Paris, Paul Whitelock, Runner's World, Sporty Sam, The Independent, UEFA European Championship in Germany
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