Luke Littler is in the running to become the youngest winner of the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award in over six decades, having been included on a six-person shortlist led by Paris 2024 Olympics stars Keely Hodgkinson and Alex Yee. The list also features England footballer Jude Bellingham, cricketer Joe Root, and Paralympian Sarah Storey. Notably absent is Mark Cavendish, despite his record-breaking year in the Tour de France.
Littler’s nomination marks a phenomenal year, transforming from a virtually unknown figure to the final of the PDC World Darts Championship at just 16, and subsequently earning over £1m in prize money. If victorious, the 17-year-old would be the second youngest winner, after Scottish swimmer Ian Black in 1958. However, he faces stiff competition from Hodgkinson, whose dominant 800m gold in Paris has made her a bookmakers’ favorite.
Hodgkinson, who also secured the European title in Rome, could become the fourth consecutive woman to win the award, following Emma Raducanu, Beth Mead, and Mary Earps. Yee is also a strong contender, having made a remarkable comeback to win the Olympic men’s triathlon gold, and later contributing to Team GB’s mixed relay bronze and claiming the world title in October.
Root’s nomination comes after he surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer. Bellingham’s stellar year, which saw him contribute to Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League victories, and England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, also earns him a spot on the shortlist. Storey, who won two Paralympic cycling golds in Paris, rounds out the contenders. As the most decorated British woman in Paralympic history, she aims to become the oldest winner, surpassing Dai Rees’ 1957 record.
The winner will be revealed on December 17 in a broadcast hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott.
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