The BBC recently announced the candidates for this years Sports Personality of the Year and with the fantastic year of sport Britain’s had, the panel increased the shortlist from 10 to 12 super sportsmen and women. However, if you weren’t watching the Olympics, you probably won’t know who the majority of them are so we at Source thought we’d help you all out with all the fun facts from those famous faces of sport.
Nicola Adams
Area of Expertise: Boxing
Now, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of this young lady that’s for sure. Nicola Adams became Britain’s first female Olympic boxing champion at the London games earlier this year. Here she is fighting her way to an Olympic medal…
Ben Ainslie
Area of Expertise: Sailing
The incredible Ben Ainslie grabbed his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal this year which has earned him the title of most successful British sailor of all time. Not bad at all.
Jessica Ennis
Area of Expertise: Everything
Jessica Ennis had everybody glued to their TV’s this summer as she competed in the heptathlon, an Olympic event that includes (take a deep breath) the 100m hurdles, 200m, 800m, javelin, high jump, long jump, and the shot put. That’s one talented athlete.
Mo Farah
Area of Expertise: Running
Put your hands on your head: it’s the dance craze that’s taken the nation by storm! Two time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah knows how it’s done. He’s Britain’s best long distance runner and now the creator the hottest dance routine. Here’s Mo showing us how it’s done, and all in the name of charity:
Katherine Grainger
Area of Expertise: Rowing
After earning herself 3 consecutive silver medals, Katherine Grainger wowed the nation and won her first Olympic gold medal in London this year. Without a doubt, Grainger is Britain’s most successful female rower ever. Here’s what Katherine had to say:
Sir Chris Hoy
Area of Expertise: Cycling
Sir Chris Hoy, as his friends probably call him, is Britain’s most successful Olympian of all time – in other words, he’s pretty ah-maze-ing. The cycling Scot celebrated winning his sixth gold medal in London this year. What else can this man do? Well he’s already won the Sports Personality of the Year award already in 2008, can he do it again? Watch him peddle his way to victory here:
Rory McIlroy
Area of Expertise: Golf
Forget the Olympics, Rory McIlroy has been making headlines on the other side of the Atlantic. Not only is he a member of the 2012 winning Ryder Cup team, McIlroy’s also the Tour Championship winner and US PGA winner. Is there anything this guy can’t do? Maybe the heptathlon, I don’t know. Check him in action:
Andy Murray
Area of Expertise: Tennis
Britain has been eating strawberries and cream and cheering loudly at the TV for one of this year’s greatest sports stars. Andy won a gold and silver medal at the Olympics this year but also went on to claim the prestigious title of the US Open Champion.
Ellie Simmonds
Area of Expertise: Swimming
At the age of 17, Ellie Simmonds has conquered more than any 17 year olds I know. Simmonds won an amazing four Paralympic medals including two record-breaking golds. Watch Ellie’s incredible victory here:
Sarah Storey
Area of Expertise: Cycling
Paralympian Sarah won team GB’s first gold medal to add to a massively impressive 11 gold medals. Wow. Here she is winning her first gold medal of the 2012 Paralympic games:
David Weir
Area of Expertise: Wheelchair Racer
The unstoppable David Weir won not one, not two, but four gold medals at this years Paralympic games. With ten Paralympic medals overall, including six golds, there’s no stopping him. Watch Weir’s nail-biting 1500m victory here:
Bradley Wiggins
Area of Expertise: Cycling
Bradley Wiggins, or Wiggo, is not only famous for his incredible sideburns, he’s also a pretty amazing cyclist too. Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour de France and he topped off an amazing year with winning a gold medal (his fourth gold and seventh medal in total) at the Olympics. Hear what he say to say – check out his amazing sideburns!
So there you have it, the final 12 shortlisted for this years Sports Personality of the Year 2012. The winner will be revealed on Sunday 16 December and will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC One HD and BBC Radio 5 Live. We just don’t know how the panel of experts are going to decide this one…
