BBC Sports Personality shortlist named

The shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the year award has been announced, with 11 Olympic and Paralympic athletes nominated.

In full the list is:

1.      Andy Murray

2.      Ben Ainslie

3.      Bradley Wiggins

4.      Chris Hoy

5.      David Weir

6.      Ellie Simmonds

7.      Jessica Ennis

8.      Katherine Grainger

9.      Mo Farah

10.  Nicola Adams

11.  Rory McIlroy

12.  Sarah Storey

Between them the nominees have 8 Olympic and 3 Paralympic gold medals, add to this Andy Murray’s US Open win and McIlroy’s many successes, from winning a 2^nd major to becoming world no.1, and you are faced with an almost impossible decision.

I did say almost, because for me there is only one person who should win and that is Bradley Wiggins.

He became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, which he did drug free, then a few days later he rode in the road race and then won gold in the time trial by 42 seconds, this has to put him above everyone else.

While this factor seems to have become obsolete for this award Wiggins also has a personality, and isn’t just another media trained don’t say anything because it might affect my reputation, sportsman.

In any other year any of the achievements by those listed would have been enough to win, but because it’s been such a special unique year of sport it needs a winner that reflects that and for me that = Bradley Wiggins.