Alistair Brownlee has been named as one of the nominees for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. He is the first triathlete to be nominated since the awards were launched in 1954, and is one of sixteen athletes shortlisted today during the One Show. Public voting will decide the winners at the televised event on Sunday 18 December in Birmingham.
Brownlee features in a star-studded line up that includes Andy Murray, Mo Farah, Jamie Vardy, Sarah Storey and Nicola Adams. This summer Brownlee became the first triathlete ever to retain an Olympic title when he won gold ahead of younger brother, Jonathan in Rio.
To be included in the short list is a huge honour, especially given the number of Team GB multi-medallists and outstanding sporting performances this year.
The brothers shot to global prominence following the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Cozumel, Mexico. The video of Alistair helping an exhausted Jonathan to the finishing line became the BBC’s most watched ever. Alistair could have won the race, but sacrificed that to help his stricken brother.
Alistair Brownlee said: “To be included in the short list is a huge honour, especially given the number of Team GB multi-medallists and outstanding sporting performances this year.”
Jonathan Brownlee said: “I’m really pleased for Alistair, he’s always been a big fan of the BBC Sports Personality Awards. I hope people will get behind him and vote.”
Full list of BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards nominees:
Nicola Adams - Boxing, Gareth Bale - Football, 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, Danny Willett - Golf.
How to vote:
Voting will be accepted online or over the phone on the night of the awards. Please register in advance to vote online via BBC SPOTY.
