BBC Sports Personality of the Year LIVE: Latest news and pictures from Salford ceremony with Keely Hodgkinson favourite to take home the award after Olympics gold medal

BBC Sports Personality of the Year LIVE: Latest news and pictures from Salford ceremony with Keely Hodgkinson favourite to take home the award after Olympics gold medal

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Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest news and updates from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. 

Yee turns silver to gold

There have been many special comebacks in the year of 2024, but not many were better than the one performed by Alex Yee at the Olympics.

He dramatically passed Hayden Wilde in the closing stages of the men’s triathlon when hope had seemingly been lost.

I was left with my mouth agast, I thought the race was over.

After claiming silver in Tokyo three years earlier, he somehow found the motivation to change it to gold.

It was simply magical, it really was.

And now he has the chance to win another award, can he do it?

File photo dated 31/07/24 of Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee, who will race in next year's London Marathon. Issue date: Monday December 16, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story ATHLETICS Yee. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire

Hodgkinson: ‘Amazing ever since Paris’

Keely Hodgkinson, SPOTY nominee, speaking on BBC One:

Growing up I always knew I had a talent in the sport. I get the best out of my self when I have something to aim for. I took great inspiration from Jessica Ennis-Hill at London 2012. You start to dream into your teenage years.

There is definitely a difference. It’s been amazing ever since Paris, I have had people come up to me with such amazing messages saying their kids love to watch it.

Keely Hodgkinson speaks to Gabby Logan during the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

‘Bellingham only nominee not to do interview’

David Coverdale, Mail Sport, in Manchester:

Jude Bellingham is the only one of the six SPOTY contenders not to do any interviews for the show. Even Joe Root has got up early in the morning in New Zealand to speak to the BBC, fresh from the Test series finishing yesterday. Last year, Rory McIlroy was the only contender to snub the awards night.

Bellingham not in attendance

Just like the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Jude Bellingham is not in attendance tonight in Manchester.

He is currently preparing for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final with Real Madrid in Qatar.

I was expecting to hear something from him when his tape was played at the show, but nope, nothing.

RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (15012278u) Jude Bellingham central midfield of Real Madrid and England during the Real Madrid training prior to FIFA Intercontinental Cup final match between Real Madrid and C.F. Pachuca at Stadium Lusail Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final Previews, Doha, Qatar - 17 Dec 2024

Dr Mark Prince: ‘I am proud of the fact I didn’t give in to revenge’

Dr Mark Prince, Helen Rollason Award winner, speaking to BBC One:

I am not often short of words I am always been up and motivating other people and this is really overwhelming for me. I want to let Nikki Rollason know that this is such a blessing receiving this award in your mum’s name – your mum was an awesome individual.

I don’t often talk about being proud of myself and I am so driven no matter how many kids I help. I just want to go to the next person, but I am proud of the fact when at a time there seemed to be no hope I kept believing that Jesus Christ my saviour was going to do great things.

I am proud of the fact I didn’t give in to revenge. God has given us a choice and we can choose no matter what happens to us we have a power of choice. We can choose how we deal with it. We have not got the choice of what happens, but the choice of how we deal with it.

Mark Prince with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award alongside Clare Balding and Barry McGuigan during the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

‘Hodgkinson had standout sporting moment of 2024’

David Coverdale, Mail Sport, in Manchester:

For me, there should be only one winner tonight – Keely Hodgkinson. Her win in the Olympic 800m was THE standout sporting moment of 2024.

Athletics is a truly global sport and gold medals are precious commodity. She also retained her European title in an unbeaten season. Keely is the best of British.

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 05: Gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Team Great Britain celebrates after winning the Women's 800m Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham’s year in photos

Jude Bellingham, what an athlete.

Everybody knew how good Bellingham was on the football p[icth before 2024, but my word did he take it to a new level this year.

He won the Champions league with Real Madrid, helped drive England to the Euros final, and scored time after time for both teams.

His exploits were rewarded with a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or and now he may cap it of with the Sports Personality of the Year award.

Here, enjoy a few of his most iconic pictures this year.

File photo dated 30-06-2024 of Jude Bellingham, whose stoppage-time stunner saved Gareth Southgate's England from an embarrassing last-16 exit as the Euro 2024 hopefuls fought back to beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time.  Issue date: Thursday December 12, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Christmas June. Photo credit should read Adam Davy/PA Wire.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Jude Bellingham of Real celebrates victory with Champions League winners trophy  after the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Jude Bellingham player of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 28, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

Breaking:Armand Duplantis wins World Sport Star Award

After breaking the Pole Vault world record countless times in 2024, Armand Duplantis has been named World Sport Star.

He has had one hell of a year.

Duplantis won the Pole Vault gold at the Olympics in Paris in August and obviously did it by breaking the world record.

Sadly he is not in Manchester but has just given a little speech on the screen to give his thanks.

Littler’s rise to stardom

Just 12 months ago, not many people knew the name of Luke Littler.

However, in 2024 he was the UK’s most googled athlete after his exploits at the oche.

I guess that means he’s well-known now, right?

His life truly has changed hugely and below you can watch the incredible journey he has been on inside 30 seconds.

It truly is a whistleblown tour.

A year to remember for Luke Littler

Where to start with Luke Littler, eh?

The teenage sensation launched to stardom at the start of the year when he reached the Darts World Championship final.

He has gone on to win the Premier League and his first major the Grand Slam of Darts back in November.

I mean, not bad for a 17-year-old…

And now he has the chance to win both the Young and the Sports Personality of the Year Award.

He has just taken to the stage to have a chat with Gabby Logan to talk through what a special year he has had.

FILE PHOTO: Darts - 2024 Premier League - Play-Offs - London - The O2, London, Britain - May 23, 2024 Luke Littler celebrates with a trophy after winning his final match against Luke Humphries Action Images via REUTERS/Matthew Childs/File Photo

Breaking:Dr Mark Prince wins Helen Rollason Award

Dr Mark Prince has been honoured with the Heland Rollason award.

The former champion boxer created the Kiyan Prince Foundation after his son was stabbed to death in 2006.

The programme provides coaching and motivational talks in boxing to keep children away from knife crime.

The charity has reached over 100,000 children and has changed many lives.

Prince takes to the stage with tears in his eyes as he collects the award.

Joe Root: England’s all-time leading Test runscorer

It really has been a special year for Joe Root.

The former England captain has continued to deliver on the international stage year after year, but 2024 has to have been one of his best.

In October, Root surpassed former team-mate Alistair Cook’s run tally of 12,472 to become the country’s all-time Test run leading scorer.

He passed the mark in Multan, Pakistan on what was a special day.

Since then, the runs have kept on coming and he is now just shy of 13,000 runs.

Can he end his year by winning SPOTY?

Cricket - First Test - England v Pakistan - Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan - October 9, 2024 England's Joe Root celebrates after reaching his century REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Root: ‘It’s been one hell of a journey’

Joe Root, England batter, speaking to the BBC from New Zealand:

It’s been great fun to play in a team where you all get along with each other, it’s been a hell of a journey from start to finish. It seems to be getting more and more enjoyable.

To go past Cooky [as England’s highest Test run scorer of all-time], a mentor and a friend, was obviously nice and I got a call from him as well. We spend a lot of time together, it’s a massive part of what brings us our success.

Nominee Joe Root speaks via video during the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Unsung Hero nominees

One of my favourite awards of the lot is the Unsung Hero Award.

It’s a prize that celebrates volunteers in sport across England, with 15 nominees in contention.

Here are the names in the hat:

  • Moon Mughis (Scotland)
  • Liam Mackay (Wales)
  • Rachel Reid (Northern Ireland)
  • Samra Said (London)
  • Jean Paton (South)
  • Ian Bennett (South West)
  • Adam Kenyon (South East)
  • George Sullivan (East)
  • Stewart Nubley (East Midlands)
  • Asha Rage (West Midlands)
  • Bob Purcell (West)
  • Paul McIntyre (North West)
  • Keith Grainge (Yorkshire)
  • Kristen Ingraham-Morgan (East Yorks & Lincs)
  • Stephen Newton (North East & Cumbria)

Storey’s historic year

Sarah Storey, what a sporting icon.

This year’s SPOTY award is just so tough to call because of how brilliant all the stars involved are.

Storey is no different, she has had the year of her life. That’s a pretty big compliment given how successful she has been in her long and winding career.

At the Paralympic in Paris, the 47-year-old took her gold medal tally up to a magical 19.

Yes, that is 19 gold medals, not all in cycling either. She is a multi-sport phenom, starting her career in the pool 32 years ago.

If she does take the award, she’d be a worthy winner.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 06: Sarah Storey of Team Great Britain and Heidi Gaugain of Team France celebrate taking Gold and Silver in the Women's C4-5 Road Race on day nine of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at  on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

World Sport Star nominees

World Sport Star shortlist:

  • Simone Biles, gymnast
  • Caitlin Clark, basketballer
  • Catherine Debrunner, para-athletics athlete
  • Armand Duplantis, pole vaulter
  • Sifan Hassan, runner
  • Leon Marchand, swimmer
NANTERRE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Leon Marchand of Team France poses with his Gold medal after his victory in the Men's 400m individual medley final on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on July 28, 2024 in Nanterre, France.  (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Ceremony underway

The stars have arrived, the trophy is here, and now the ceremony has got underway.

I two hours we will know which of the six nominees has become the Sports Personality of the Year.

In that time there will be plenty of other awards presented and moments celebrated.

Go grab a cuppa and enjoy the ride, it’s going to be fun.

(left to right) Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding during the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

How did Hodgkinson get here?

To say this year has been a whirlwind for Keely Hodgkinson is a huge understatement.

Her life was changed forever when she crossed the line at the Stade de France four months ago.

Not only her life changed, though. Her family’s did too.

The people closest to Hodgkinson recently spoke to the BBC and it’s fair to say they were very emotional when reliving the gold medal-winning moment.

You can see it in their eyes.

Who made Hodgkinson’s dress?

David Coverdale, Mail Sport, in Manchester:

For those wondering, Keely’s stunning black dress is designed by KNWLS London in collaboration with Nike.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Keely Hodgkinson attends BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2024 at Dock10 Studios on December 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

SPOTY trophy in the building

Now things are really getting serious.

Tonight’s presenters Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott have all arrived for the awards and brought something rather special with them.

Yes, that is indeed the Sports Personality of the Year trophy.

Later tonight we will see it in somebody else’s hands, but the real question is, who’s will they be?

Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Exclusive:Keely Hodgkinson interview

There is a reason Keely Hodgkinson is the favourite for the award, it’s because she has had a simply spectacular year.

2024 has changed her life forever.

Mail Sport’s David Coverdale, who is on location this evening, had the chance to speak to here earlier this month.

They went through a lot. From being the favourite to take home the award to her targets for next year.

It’s a brilliant read. If you want to hear from the potential winner, look no further than this.

Who is the favourite?

Predicting award winners is a specialty of mine…

That may seem like a bizarre statement, but I’m seriously not lying. I usually hit the nail on the head when it comes to big prizes such as this one.

However, I’m not going to give you my prediction just yet.

What I will do, though, is tell you who is the favourite to scoop up this year’s Sports Personality of the Year award.

Most of the bookies favourite is runner Keely Hodgkinson after she heroically took home Olympic gold in the women’s 800m in Paris this year.

Not far behind her is Luke Littler, which is pretty mental. His spectacular year at the Oche has put him well in the frame to scoop up the award.

Imagine if he won, that would be pretty bonkers.

Paris 2024 Olympics. Paris, France.Andy Hoopers Soul of Sport is a tabloid photographers look at the final week of the Olympics.Nikon cameras Z9 & Z8 used.Pic shows Team GB Keely Hodgkinson wins Gold in the women's 800mAndy Hooper/Daily Mail

2024 champ in town

Speaking of past winners…

Mary Earps certainly knows the feeling of lifting the famous award and 12 months on from doing so she is back in Salford for the awards.

She became the third woman to win SPOTY in a row last year after being a key member of the Lionesses’ squad.

Now playing for Paris Saint-Germain, she simply had to fly over to her former own to be there to see who will follow in her footsteps.

It would be interesting to hear her prediction…

Mary Earps arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Previous winners

Tonight is the 71st installment of the famous SPOTY awards and my word have we had a lot of different winners in that time.

It’s safe to say, I don’t exactly have time to list all of them, but I will go through the last 10. I hope that’s OK…

  • 2023: Mary Earps
  • 2022: Beth Mead
  • 2021: Emma Raducanu
  • 2020: Sir Lewis Hamilton
  • 2019: Ben Stokes
  • 2018: Geraint Thomas
  • 2017: Sir Mo Farah
  • 2016: Sir Andy Murray
  • 2015: Sir Andy Murray
  • 2014: Sir Lewis Hamilton
Mary Earps poses with the trophy after winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year during the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 19, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA WireRESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Ben Stokes poses with The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 at The P&J Live, Aberdeen. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 15, 2019. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

Cavendish on the red carpet

Sir Mark Cavendish has swapped the lycra for a double-breasted suit as he has taken to the red carpet in Salford.

It would be pretty odd if he was wearing his cycling shorts, in all fairness.

Sir Mark Cavendish and Peta Todd arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Cavendish to be given Lifetime Achievement award

One award has already been wrapped up before the show has even began.

I mean, takes the suspense away a little, eh?

Cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award later this evening.

Last month, Cavendish ended an illustrious 19-year career in style by winning his final race the Tour de France Singapore Criterium.

He won the main SPOTY award back in 2011, and now 13 years on he will be handed an equally brilliant one.

What a legacy he will leave in the sport of cycling, I remember watching his countless incredible sprint finishes over the years.

Personally, I think this award is just reward for what has been a memorable career in sport, don’t you?

Mark Cavendish of Astana Qazaqstan poses on the podium during the Prudential Singapore Tour De France Criterium, Sunday, November 10th, 2024. (AP Photo/Danial Hakim)

Hodgkinson: ‘It would be amazing to win’

Keely Hodgkinson, SPOTY favourite, speaking on the red carpet:

I am representing track and field tonight and it would be really great to win and put our sport up there and showcase not just myself, but all the incredible athletes we have right now.

It would be amazing to win. You look at the names down the list, not just track and field, you have got Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton, British icons, so it would be great to put my name up there as well, so fingers crossed.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Keely Hodgkinson attends BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2024 at Dock10 Studios on December 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

What has happened in 2024?

When I said that 2024 has been a busy year for sport, I really wasn’t lying. It has been rammed with action from start to finish.

With so much happening, I reckon a few of you may need a refresh. I’m here to help.

For football fans in England, it has been a bonkers year. Not because of what has happened in domestic football, though.

The Three Lions managed to make it to a second consecutive Euros final in July and this time there was real hope that the men’s team would finally bring it home, after so many decades of hurt.

Once again, though, they were bridesmaids. Gareth Southgate’s men were beaten narrowly by Spain in July’s final in Berlin and just days later the manager resigned from his position after eight years.

BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: England players disappointed at the award ceremony (LR) Goalkeeper Dean Henderson of England Cole Palmer of England Adam Wharton of England Luke Shaw of England and Phil Foden of England after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 31: Alex Yee of Team Great Britain crosses the finish line to win gold during Men's Individual Triathlon on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Pont Alexandre III on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If the summer wasn’t chaotic enough, we were then treated to the Olympics and Paralympics where nominees Keely Hodgkinson, Alex Yee, and Sarah Storey all struck gold in Paris.

And while the Games will not be looked upon as a highly successful one in years to come, there were still a catalogue of magical moments that fans and athletes will hold with them for a lifetime.

Elsewhere, Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon title in Tennis, beating Novak Djokovic for the second year running just two months after winning his first French Open title.

Both England men’s and women’s cricket teams suffered humiliating exits from the T20 World Cup in what was not the best of years for the sport.

As I said, it was a busy, busy year…

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA - JUNE 27: Liam Livingstone of England reacts as he walks off after being run out during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Semi-Final match between India and England at Providence Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

When is the ceremony?

I’ve got to say, I absolutely love it when SPOTY comes around!

I mean, it’s a staple of British sports, I watch it year in and year out without fail. Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating British success?

This year I am as excited as ever, we have a brilliant line-up who have all achieved incredible things this year.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long until the awards get underway.

The show starts at 19:00 GMT and should be wrapped up after two hours, with the main award being the last to be presented.

It’s going to be a very fun evening.

A view of the Sports Personality of the Year 2015 trophy at the SSE Arena, Belfast.

Not all glitz and glam

David Coverdale Mail Sport, in Manchester:

Think SPOTY is all glitz and glam? Think again. The written press are hidden away in a BBC bunker, watching the proceedings on TV, and get nowhere near the main studio floor.

Winners are brought to us for interviews after they have collected their trophies, but the nearest we get to a drink is a cup of coffee.

Stars start to arrive

The contenders for tonight’s prize are starting to arrive.

It feels quite bizarre seeing them dressed up as they are rather than in their usual sporting gear.

Keely Hodgkinson, Alex Yee, and Luke Littler are all in the building glammed up to the gills.

You’ve got to bring your A-game on a night like this, haven’t you?

Keely Hodgkinson arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Olivia Mathias and Alex Yee arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Luke Littler arriving for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 17, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

The SPOTY contenders

Before we get into the real build-up, you all have to know who are actually going for the main showpiece.

This year there are a variety of different athletes with all six nominees coming from different sports.

Here are the six contenders for the Sports Personality of the Year award:

  • Keely Hodgkinson, runner
  • Alex Yee, triathlete
  • Jude Bellingham, footballer,
  • Sarah Storey, para-cyclist
  • Joe Root, cricketer
  • Luke Littler, darts player
File photo dated 05/08/24 of Keely Hodgkinson. Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson leads the nominees for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The 22-year-old athlete is the favourite to claim the prize after winning 800 metres gold in Paris in the summer as part of a brilliant year. Issue date: Monday December 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
File photo dated 10-10-2024 of England's Jude Bellingham.The six-strong shortlist for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award was announced on Monday morning. Issue date: Monday December 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire
File photo dated 23-05-2024 of Luke Littler celebrates with the trophy after victory in the final against Luke Humphries during the 2024 BetMGM Premier League play-off at The O2, London. The six-strong shortlist for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award was announced on Monday morning. Issue date: Monday December 9, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire

Tonight’s award categories

Right, while we all know the big award that is up for grabs, it’s not the only prize on offer.

So, that being said, I thought I would take you through all of the award categories to look out for this evening.

  • Sports Personality of the Year
  • World Sport Star of the Year
  • Helen Rollason award
  • Young Sports Personality of the Year
  • Unsung Hero
  • Coach of the Year
  • Team of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement award

A memorable year of sport

To say 2024 has been action-packed with sport doesn’t even do it justice.

This year has been stacked with spectacular moments across a variety of different sports, if I had to list all of them I would be here forever.

We were treated to an incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, while in the football world, the European Championship was held in Germany. Many England fans won’t forget that one in a hurry.

There has also been two T20 World Cups, the World Athletics Championships, and plenty of drama in the Tennis world.

It’s fair to say, choosing a Sports Personality of the Year after everything that has gone will not exactly be easy. But still, it’s got to be done.

I mean, there have been plenty of individual performances.

BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Head Coach Gareth Southgate of England disappointed at the award ceremony after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Team Great Britain (C) celebrates on the podium during the Women's 800m medal ceremony on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA - JUNE 27: Jos Buttler of England looks on after his side's defeat in the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Semi-Final match between India and England at Providence Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Who has been the best of them all?

It’s the time of the year when we celebrate some of Britain’s best athletes and their achievements.

As per usual, it’s been a sensational year of sport in this country, there have been so many memorable moments.

I would go through them now, but we have all evening for that.

While the BBC’s flagship awards show will be celebrating many athletes and teams across the country, there is one award that tops them all.

That’s right, the Sports Personality of the Year…

The question is, who will join last year’s winner Mary Earps, and become part of a legendary group of sportspeople.

We’ll find out later tonight, but before then we have a lot of build-up to go through.

Make sure you stick with us!

Mary Earps celebrates winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award during the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Tuesday December 19, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SPORT Personality. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA WireRESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Key Updates

  • Armand Duplantis wins World Sport Star Award

  • Dr Mark Prince wins Helen Rollason Award

  • What has happened in 2024?

  • When is the ceremony?

  • The SPOTY contenders

  • Who has been the best of them all?

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