It’s that time of the year where we start to get excited about a certain imminent event. Arguably the highlight of December, Sports Personality of the Year returns to our screens on the 18th December for a celebration of the past 12 months of British sporting prowess.
As usual, cycling leads the nominations with a quarter of the nominees having cycled for Team GB in Rio. Controversially, Chris Froome has been omitted from this year’s shortlist, despite securing a third win in the Tour de France. Here’s our run through of the idols of our beloved sport.
Kadeena Cox
At 25 years old, Cox is relatively new to the Paralympic scene in comparison to our other nominees, but as recently as two years ago Cox was competing in non-disabled competitions until being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
She became the first Brit to win medals in two different disciplines at the same Games since 1988. Her overall medal haul included a gold (and world record) in the time trial and gold, silver and bronze medals on the track.
Cox was chosen as deserved flagbearer for the closing ceremony, and considering this was her first experience of the Paralympic Games, she is truly an inspiration to the next generation of avid cyclists.
Jason and Laura Kenny (OBEs)
Both of these athletes have achieved unbelievable feats over their careers, but given the way in which this couple captured the hearts of the nation in Rio, we find it difficult to separate them.
The most successful Olympic couple ever, the Kenny powerhouse holds 10 gold medals between them. Jason is tied for most successful British Olympic athlete, alongside Sir Chris Hoy (6 golds), and Laura is Britain’s most successful female athlete in history. Their medal tally looks set to increase, with both athletes firmly eyeing Tokyo in 2020.
Underneath the gold rush, however, they seem like a down to earth, normal couple. They don’t yearn for superstardom, instead opting for a quiet life in Cheshire. If SPOTY could be awarded to couples, there would be some room to clear in the Kenny trophy cabinet.
Dame Sarah Storey
14 golds, 8 silvers, 3 bronze over one career.
At 14 years old Dame Sarah Storey competed in her first Paralympic Games in Barcelona. She won two gold medals, 3 silvers and a bronze in the swimming pool.
This year, at the age of 38, she added 3 more golds to her tally to make her the most successful female Paralympian of all time.
This is a record that speaks for itself and Dame Storey would be more than a deserving champion of SPOTY. We just hope she has enough room in her trophy gallery.
But No Chris Froome
Despite winning a third Tour De France title, a bronze in Rio in the time trial event, and a second place in the Vuelta, Froome has been overlooked for the shortlist.
Despite assertions that Froome missed out because he lacks personality and social media presence, it is hard not to think that Froome has some of the most charming personality traits in the sport. He is modest, dedicated, and unassuming, despite being one of the most successful distance cyclists in living memory.
Coupled with that already iconic moment on Mont Ventoux, we find it hard to believe that cycling doesn’t have a 5th representative for Sports Personality of the Year 2016.
Who do you think should win Sports Personality of the Year? Should Froome be on the shortlist? Let us know your thoughts!
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