SPOTY 2016: Who made the shortlist, part 2

Sport News 24/7 

By Thomas Dodd

• Shortlist announced for 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year
• 16 contenders drawn up after decision by panel of Sports Journalism/Media experts
• Andy Murray won 2015 crown after guiding Great Britain to Davis Cup glory

LONDON, ENGLAND – It is almost time for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016, and in an Olympic year there are 16 worthy candidates – we take a look at the four of them.

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Kadeena Cox – Athletics/Cycling

Age: 25
SPOTY History: First time Nominee

Probably the least well known of the 16 on this year’s list, Cox’s achievements in 2016 should make many sit up and take serious notice. Winning Gold in Rio on the bike meant Cox became the first Paralympian to claim titles in two different sports at one games. She added a 400m Gold on the track to time trial victory in the Velodrome to deservedly earn the right to carry the Great British flag at the closing ceremony. As if that wasn’t enough, the Yorkshire girl also won the 500m time trial event at Cycling’s track World Championships.

Mo Farah – Athletics

Age: 33
SPOTY History: 7th 2015, 3rd 2014/2013 4th 2011

A double gold please, barman, and make it a..er…double? Farah once again swept all before him in long-distance running in 2016, repeating his phenomenal success of London 2012 by winning the 5000m and 10000m titles in Rio. The season enhanced Farah’s status as the most successful British track and field athlete of all time, and also included breaking a national 3000m world record and a third straight victory at the BUPA Great North Run. But for all his previous glory and nominations, he is yet to better third place in the public vote.

Laura Kenny – Cycling

Age: 24
SPOTY History: First-time nominee

Better known as her maiden name Trott, Kenny became Britain’s most successful female Olympian by reclaiming her Omnium title in Rio to take her tally of Golds to four. She was part of the Olympic winning team pursuit quartet too and capped off her season by taking first place in the scratch race and Omnium events at the 2016 Track World Championships.

Jason Kenny – Cycling

Age: 28
SPOTY History: First-time nominee

Like his new bride, Kenny appears in the running for the BBC award for the first time. Three Golds in Rio brought Kenny level with Sir Chris Hoy on six Olympic Gold medals after success in the team and individual sprints as well a dramatic Kierin final. The quieter and slightly more reserved Kenny often lets his legs do the talking and also won the individual sprint title at Cycling’s Track World Championships earlier on in the year.

Check out our other guides here:

Part 1: Nicola Adams, Gareth Bale, Alistair Brownlee, Sophie Christiansen

Part 3: Andy Murray, Adam Peaty, Kate Richardson-Walsh, Nick Skelton

Part 4: Dame Sarah Storey, Jamie Vardy, Max Whitlock, Danny Willett

Vote in our Poll

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year will take place on 18 December