With the BBC Sports Personality Awards set to take place in Birmingham tonight, our own LincSport reporters gave their thoughts on who deserves to win one of the most prestigious awards in British sport.
The nominees for this year are: Anthony Joshua (boxing), Gareth Bale (football), Nicola Adams (boxing), Alistair Brownlee (triathlon), Sophie Christiansen (equestrian), Kadeena Cox (athletics, cycling), Mo Farah (athletics), Jason Kenny (cycling), Laura Kenny (cycling), Andy Murray (tennis), Adam Peaty (swimming), Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey), Nick Skelton (equestrian), Dame Sarah Storey (cycling), Jamie Vardy (football), Max Whitlock (gymnastics) and finally Danny Willet (golf).
But who do our writers fancy to win the award?
James Williams – Andy Murray
You can’t look past Murray. Not only did he end the year as world number one but he won his second Wimbledon final and another gold medal at the Olympics. In a period where men’s tennis is so strong what Murray has achieved this year is remarkable. In my opinion, he’s not only the best British sportsperson this year… he’s the best British sportsperson ever.
Liam Gibbs – Andy Murray
The bookies’ favourite for a reason – a great year for him on and off the court. Finishing the year as world number one is a super achievement and caps off the last twelve months. To be favourite to win for the third time in four years is testament to his consistent excellence. Honourable mentions to Jason and Laura Kenny and Max Whitlock.
James Ardley – Jamie Vardy
Everyone loves a rags to riches story and this man epitomises it. 24 Premier League goals for Leicester City in their title-winning campaign, as they defied the odds and everyone’s expectations. Sparked a comeback for England against Wales at the Euros, after scoring off the bench and became the only Englishman to make the 2016 Ballon D’or shortlist. Not bad for someone playing non-league just over four years ago.
Sam Hewitt – Andy Murray
There’s so many people and teams that deserve to win and maybe another year they would but you can’t look past Andy Murray this year. Winning Wimbledon again, and winning Olympic gold is one thing, but ending the year number one by beating Djokovic is the icing on the cake.
Danyal Khan – Andy Murray
As much as I’d prefer a much closer contest, it’s difficult to look past Murray’s achievements this year. Despite fantastic Olympic efforts by Jason and Laura Kenny, as well as Chris Froome who won his third Tour de France and didn’t even make the shortlist, Murray’s rise to number one this year has been a joy to watch.
Alex Slater – Andy Murray
What a year he’s had, rising to the summit of tennis is something I never thought he do years ago when he was trailing in the dust of Nadal and Federer. Now, in a year he has the world at his feet and took Wimbledon with it. Definitely, without a doubt, the British sports personality of the year.
Dan Creesey – Andy Murray
It has to be Andy Murray. A modest, hard-working athlete, the Scot has enjoyed a fantastic year winning another Wimbledon title, securing a gold medal at the Olympics and claiming that iconic number one spot. A role model for youngsters in all sports, Murray carries himself superbly on and off the court, demonstrating that hard work and determination can bring you success. He thoroughly deserves to retain the famous SPOTY award.
Well there you have it… our team have spoken! You can catch the BBC Sports Personality Awards on BBC One at 18:40.