Golfing sensation Rory McIlroy has earned a nomination for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. This recognition places him among a distinguished group of nominees, including the recently retired England cricketer Stuart Broad and England's accomplished heptathlete, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, among others.
Hailing from Hollywood, McIlroy's outstanding performance in Europe's Ryder Cup victory cemented his status as the top points scorer. In addition to this remarkable feat, he secured the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai title for an impressive fifth time. The golfer also claimed victory at both the Scottish Open in July and the Dubai Desert Classic in January, highlighting his consistency.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 contenders...
🌟 Stuart Broad
🌟 Frankie Dettori
🌟 Mary Earps
🌟 Alfie Hewett
🌟 Katarina Johnson-Thompson
🌟 Rory McIlroy
Watch the awards on @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer - Tuesday, 19 December 2023 from 19:00 GMT.#BBCSPOTY pic.twitter.com/YjJR8uG6SE— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 12, 2023
Despite McIlroy's formidable reputation in the world of sports, the bookies' favourite for the Sports Personality of the Year award is Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps. The Manchester United goalkeeper earned the Golden Glove for her exceptional performance, keeping three clean sheets during the Women's World Cup for England in the summer. Unfortunately, her team fell short in the final against Spain in Australia.
Earps and McIlroy find themselves in esteemed company, sharing the nominations with other distinguished athletes such as Stuart Broad, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, former jockey Frankie Dettori, and wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett.
The public will have the opportunity to cast their votes by phone or online on the evening of Tuesday, December 19. The contact numbers for each contender will be unveiled during the program, adding an interactive element to the awards ceremony.
The event promises to be a celebration of athletic excellence, with awards spanning various categories, including World Sport Star of the Year, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Unsung Hero, the Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity, and the Lifetime Achievement Awards.
