It’s that time of the year again. It’s the ultimate epic showdown of British sporting giants. Head to head, toe to toe, elbow to elbow… The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 shortlist has landed, and the heat on this one could fry an egg on the pavement.

From footballing finesse to Paralympic prowess, these six stars have kept us glued to our screens and screaming at the telly. Now, it’s their turn to fight for the nation’s vote.

The magnificent six

Who’s got what it takes to take home the trophy? Let’s meet the contenders:

• Jude Bellingham – The boy wonder taking modern English football to new heights. He’s tall, he’s got the call, and he’s on the ball.
• Keely Hodgkinson – The golden girl of the track.
• Luke Littler – A teenage darts sensation rewriting history.
• Joe Root – Arguably, England’s cricketing GOAT.
• Dame Sarah Storey – Paralympic royalty with medals for days.
• Alex Yee – The London-born triathlon titan who’s sprinted into stardom.

A night of legends

Get your popcorn ready Britain. On Tuesday, December 17, presenters Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott will guide us through a night packed with highlights from 2024’s most exhilarating sporting moments.

The grand finale? The winner’s name gets called live, right there and then, thanks to you lot casting the votes. How do you vote? They’ll spill the beans during the show – so don’t be a div, tune in.

The judges’ panel of ultimate power

A mix of sporting royalty and top sporting journos have joined forces to shortlist the crème de la crème of 2024. Think Dame Laura Kenny, Ade Adepitan, and sports journalists from The Athletic and PA Media, alongside the BBC’s own big kahunas

But the real decision lies with the fans.

What’s at stake in the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year?

It’s not just about the big one. The awards on the night include:

• World Sport Star of the Year
• Young Sports Personality of the Year
• Team of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• And more!

Meet the stars

Jude Bellingham

English football’s golden boy lit up the Bernabeu in his debut season with Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and bagging a Champions League winner’s medal. Oh, and did we mention his stunning bicycle kick for England?

Keely Hodgkinson

After years of heartbreak, Keely finally struck Olympic gold in the 800m, dominating the track and becoming just the 10th British woman to win athletics gold. The wait was worth it.

Luke Littler

Sixteen years old, fresh off his GCSEs, and this darts prodigy’s already taken the PDC World Championship by storm – straight from the classroom to centre stage, like he was born for it. With over £1m in winnings and records shattered, he’s the future of darts – Luke at the writing on the wall, the future is now.

Joe Root

Cricket’s smooth operator and wicket Terminator. Root smashed records left, right, and centre this year, surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s top Test run-scorer. He’s now got his sights set on rewriting the history books even further. Can he take it home?

Dame Sarah Storey

Three decades on from her first gold, Dame Sarah Storey keeps the medals rolling in. Her double gold in Paris this year cemented her as Britain’s most decorated Paralympian with a staggering 30 medals.

Alex Yee

The triathlon ace sprinted into history with Olympic gold and a world title, showing he’s not just fast – he’s unstoppable. His breathtaking finishes have made him the big name to watch in triathlon.

Who will make history?

Last year’s winner, Lioness Mary Earps, brought women’s football glory to the BBC podium. Will it be another footballer? Or will a new star rise to the top?

Tune in on December 17 to see who takes the crown!

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