BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2023: A Look At The Top Contenders And Odds

The stage is set for the 70th BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, promising an electrifying ceremony at Media City on December 19.

With a lineup of illustrious athletes, the spotlight shines on this coveted accolade, determined by a public vote, showcasing the best in sportsmanship and achievement across various categories.

Among the frontrunners for this year’s sporty are notable names showcasing exceptional performances across diverse sporting arenas:

Mary Earps: The Lionesses’ goalkeeper stood tall during the Women’s World Cup, delivering stellar performances and earning the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Her resilience and pivotal saves fueled England’s journey to the final.

Stuart Broad: A cricketing legend, Broad concluded his international career with a storybook ending in the men’s Ashes series. His crucial contributions and remarkable wicket-taking prowess cemented his legacy as one of England’s finest bowlers.

Frankie Dettori: A veteran jockey, Dettori’s swansong season witnessed triumphs at the British Classics, marking an illustrious career spanning over three decades. His masterful rides and victories, notably at Ascot’s Champion Stakes, highlighted his brilliance on the track.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson: Overcoming injury hurdles, Johnson-Thompson reclaimed her dominance in the heptathlon, securing gold at the World Athletics Championships. Her resurgent form sets the stage for an exciting pursuit of Olympic glory in Paris.

Alfie Hewett: Despite narrowly missing the Wimbledon wheelchair singles title, Hewett’s astounding year featured grand slam victories at the Australian Open and US Open, along with a dominant run in doubles, culminating in a World NNo.1 ranking.

Rory McIlroy: The linchpin of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, McIlroy exhibited exceptional leadership, emerging as the top scorer and playing a pivotal role in Europe’s victory. His consistency across major golf events and reclaiming the Race to Dubai title underscored his prowess. Significant anticipation builds for the sporty; these athletes are prime contenders, each showcasing extraordinary feats and resilience in their respective fields. The public vote will decide who follows past winners’ footsteps, with each nominee representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship and achievement in their own right.