Only a few days ago i was saying how Rory Mcilroy was a cert to win this years BBC Sports Personality of the year awards. Up until then there were no other real contenders, likely to challenge him to the title. How things have changed over the last few weeks. Now we have, what could be, the most hotly contested SPOTTY awards ever.
So who has entered the reckoning?
Darren Clarke, fellow Irishman and golfer, was first to throw his hat into the ring, after winning a thrilling Open Championship at Sandwich in July. Who can forget the tears when he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup a few years back, just 6 weeks after losing his wife to cancer. He earned a special place in Europeans hearts that year and with this victory, it could be time for the Brits to repay their dues by voting for Darren.
Mark Cavendish achieved a remarkable personal goal and won the king of the sprinters at this years Tour De France. He became the first Brit to win the Maillot Vert (green jersey) and is very proud to be called the fastest man on two wheels. After winning 5 stages of this years tour and becoming the first person ever to win the final stage, three years on the trot, he will surely be a hot contender for the SPOTTY title.
After suffering a bad injury during Englands Ashes victory, in Australia and then struggling to regain his form against Sri Lanka, Stuart Broad has finally started to produce stunning results with bat and ball. Having started with a duck he has now scored 182 runs in his last 3 innings, he had a 162 run partnership with Matt Prior to get England back into the first test. He has took 7 wickets in the first test and 8 in the second, including a dramatic hat trick to help England gain a 2 nothing advantage. If he continues at this rate he will be hard to beat.
So message to self, never underestimate the skill and determination of British sportsmen and women. Who else will now join the growing list of British achievers on the list for the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2011.
