Luke Littler has been named on the six-strong shortlist for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award, making him a contender to become the youngest winner since 1958. The teenager, who is just 17, is up against some of the UK’s top sporting stars, including Olympic athletes Keely Hodgkinson and Alex Yee, footballer Jude Bellingham, cricketer Joe Root, and Paralympian Sarah Storey. Notably absent from the shortlist is cyclist Mark Cavendish, who set a historic record for the most Tour de France stage wins earlier this year.
Littler’s nomination is a testament to his incredible rise in the world of darts. Just 16 years old, he stunned audiences by reaching the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. In the past year, Littler also earned over £1 million in prize money, solidifying his place among the most exciting young talents in British sport. His inclusion on the list highlights his extraordinary potential and breakout year, marking him as a serious contender for the prestigious award.
Should Littler win, he would be the second-youngest recipient in the award’s history, behind only Scottish swimmer Ian Black, who took the honor in 1958. Littler expressed his excitement and gratitude upon receiving the nomination, tweeting, “This is MADDDD. First young sports personality and now sports personality of the year. Huge thank you to BBC Sport for nominating me – never thought I would be saying that.”
Despite his strong performance, Littler faces stiff competition from the other nominees, particularly Keely Hodgkinson, whose dominance in middle-distance running has made her a leading contender. Hodgkinson secured a gold medal in the women’s 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, capping off a stellar year that also saw her win the European Championship title in Rome. With her achievements, Hodgkinson has cemented herself as a favorite, and she could become the fourth consecutive woman to win the award, following Emma Raducanu (2021), Beth Mead (2022), and Mary Earps (2023).
Alex Yee, another Olympic champion, is also a strong contender after his thrilling victory in the men’s triathlon at the Paris Olympics. Yee made an incredible comeback in the final stages of the race, overtaking New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde to clinch gold. His remarkable achievement has captured the public’s imagination, and many believe he could claim the top spot on the podium.
Cricketer Joe Root earned his place on the shortlist for surpassing Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s highest Test run-scorer. Root’s consistency and excellence on the field have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport, and his nomination reflects his significant contributions to England cricket.
Jude Bellingham, who enjoyed an outstanding year both domestically and internationally, is another contender. As a standout performer for Real Madrid, Bellingham was named La Liga’s player of the season and helped his club secure both the Spanish title and a Champions League win. Additionally, Bellingham was a key player in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, further strengthening his case for the award.
Sarah Storey, who has already achieved legendary status in the world of Paralympic sport, is also in the running. Storey added to her already impressive medal tally with two gold medals in cycling at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Now 47 years old, Storey is aiming to become the oldest winner of the award, surpassing Dai Rees, who was 44 when he won in 1957. Storey’s inclusion highlights her ongoing excellence and influence in both the Paralympic and mainstream sports communities.
The omission of Mark Cavendish, a former winner of the award, has raised eyebrows. Cavendish’s achievement of breaking Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record for Tour de France stage wins was one of the most significant milestones in cycling history. His exclusion from the shortlist has sparked debate, though Storey herself expressed regret that Cavendish was not included. She emphasized that if a cyclist were to win the award again, it would be a great opportunity to represent not only cycling but also Paralympic athletes and women in sport.
The winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, December 17, during a live show presented by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott. The award has a long history of celebrating the achievements of Britain’s top athletes, and this year’s shortlist reflects the diverse range of talents and accomplishments that have defined 2024. With a remarkable mix of Olympians, football stars, and pioneering figures in Paralympic sport, the competition promises to be intense as fans await the crowning of this year’s winner.
