The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award 2023 is just a week away, and the anticipation is building up among sports fans and pundits. The prestigious award, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, will be presented to one of the six shortlisted candidates on Tuesday 19 December at Media City. The winner will be decided by a public vote, and will join the likes of Beth Mead, Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray and Kelly Holmes in the hall of fame. But who are the contenders for this year’s award, and what have they achieved in their respective fields? Here is a brief overview of the six nominees:
Mary Earps: The Lioness with the Golden Glove
Mary Earps was the star of the show as England reached the Women’s World Cup final in August. The Manchester United goalkeeper made some crucial saves throughout the tournament, including a penalty stop in the final against Spain. Although England lost 2-1, Earps was awarded the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper of the competition. She also had a stellar season in the WSL, helping Manchester United finish second behind Chelsea. Earps is the favourite to win the SPOTY award, according to the bookmakers.
Stuart Broad: The Ashes hero who bowed out in style
Stuart Broad ended his illustrious international cricket career with a memorable performance in the Ashes. The 37-year-old seamer took a wicket with his final ball against Australia, securing a win for England and a series draw. Broad was England’s leading wicket-taker in the series, and the second-highest in Test history for his country. He also became only the third bowler to take 500 Test wickets, joining the elite club of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. Broad received a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates as he walked off the field for the last time.
Frankie Dettori: The legendary jockey who dominated the classics
Frankie Dettori had a remarkable final season in Europe, winning two of the five British classics. The Italian jockey rode Chaldean to victory in the 2000 Guineas, and Soul Sister in the Oaks. He also won the Champion Stakes at Ascot, his last race on British soil, on King Of Steel. Dettori, who has been riding for more than 30 years, is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time. He has won more than 250 Group 1 races, and is famous for his flying dismounts and charismatic personality.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson: The comeback queen of heptathlon
Katarina Johnson-Thompson proved that she is still the best in the world in heptathlon, after overcoming a series of injuries that threatened to derail her career. The British athlete won her second world title in Budapest, beating Anna Hall of the USA by a narrow margin. Johnson-Thompson showed her resilience and determination, as she competed in seven events over two days. She also broke the British record for the long jump, with a leap of 7.02 metres. Johnson-Thompson is now aiming for Olympic glory in Paris 2024.
Tom Daley: The diving sensation who made history in Tokyo
Tom Daley fulfilled his lifelong dream of winning an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, as he partnered with Matty Lee to claim the men’s synchronised 10m platform title. The pair edged out the Chinese favourites by a fraction of a point, in a thrilling final. Daley also won a bronze medal in the individual 10m platform event, his fourth Olympic medal overall. Daley, who made his Olympic debut at the age of 14 in Beijing 2008, became the first British diver to win four Olympic medals, and the first to win gold.
Emma Raducanu: The teenage tennis sensation who stunned the world
Emma Raducanu made history as the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in 44 years, when she triumphed at the US Open in September. The 18-year-old, who was ranked 150th in the world before the tournament, did not drop a set in her 10 matches, and beat Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the final. Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title, and the youngest since Maria Sharapova in 2004. She also rose to number 23 in the world rankings, and won the hearts of millions of fans with her talent and charm.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award 2023 will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 19 December, from 8pm to 10pm. The public can vote for their favourite nominee online, by phone or by text. The other awards that will be presented on the night are:
- Team of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Young Sports Personality of the Year
- Unsung Hero
- Helen Rollason Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- World Sport Star of the Year
