Superb eh that it's been such a great GB sporting year that US Open golf champion Mart Fitzpatick hasn't make the 6 person shortlist.
Except it is ...
Jessica Gadirova - Gymnastics
Beth Mead - Football
Eve Muirhead - Curling
Ben Stokes - Cricket
Ronnie O'Sullivan - Snooker
Jake Wightman - Athletics
Of course each individual there has had a great year in their sport but overall it is not a strong list.
Whatever partial reasons for Fitzpatrick's exclusion such as alleged BBC bias against golf or possibly making sure that it's a 3-3 gender split in what nowadays is only a list of 6, IMO it is an absolute disgrace.
The only real question to my mind is how many of the shortlist are less deserving than Matt.
Superb eh that it's been such a great GB sporting year that US Open golf champion Mart Fitzpatick hasn't make the 6 person shortlist.
Except it is ...
Jessica Gadirova - Gymnastics
Beth Mead - Football
Eve Muirhead - Curling
Ben Stokes - Cricket
Ronnie O'Sullivan - Snooker
Jake Wightman - Athletics
Of course each individual there has had a great year in their sport but overall it is not a strong list.
Whatever partial reasons for Fitzpatrick's exclusion such as alleged BBC bias against golf or possibly making sure that it's a 3-3 gender split in what nowadays is only a list of 6, IMO it is an absolute disgrace.
The only real question to my mind is how many of the shortlist are less deserving than Matt.
I agree a very weak list. Maybe Matt didnt somehow hit the personality stakes ? And what about Cam? I thought he might be on a long shortlist for Wimbledon semis?
Superb eh that it's been such a great GB sporting year that US Open golf champion Mart Fitzpatick hasn't make the 6 person shortlist.
Except it is ...
Jessica Gadirova - Gymnastics
Beth Mead - Football
Eve Muirhead - Curling
Ben Stokes - Cricket
Ronnie O'Sullivan - Snooker
Jake Wightman - Athletics
Of course each individual there has had a great year in their sport but overall it is not a strong list.
Whatever partial reasons for Fitzpatrick's exclusion such as alleged BBC bias against golf or possibly making sure that it's a 3-3 gender split in what nowadays is only a list of 6, IMO it is an absolute disgrace.
The only real question to my mind is how many of the shortlist are less deserving than Matt.
I agree a very weak list. Maybe Matt didnt somehow hit the personality stakes ? And what about Cam? I thought he might be on a long shortlist for Wimbledon semis?
Agree it is very much opinion but the 'personality' bit always can confuse folk.
The BBC have themselves tried to clarify in the past ( after many comments about folk's personalities ) that they aee their sporting personality award as much more linked to sporting standing and achievement than the wider interpretation of personality. And we know plenty of winners who have not had that wider aspect but have been great sporting personalities / achievers. This year's list anyway is hardly totally a singing / dancing list. The personality bit is a regular tangential bore.
Anyway Ben Stokes for me. What as captain, and performer at times, he has brought to the England test team and test cricket in general has been extraordinary, quite apart from being part of the T20 World Cup winning team.
Anyway Ben Stokes for me. What as captain, and performer at times, he has brought to the England test team and test cricket in general has been extraordinary, quite apart from being part of the T20 World Cup winning team.
Agreed for sure - the way theyve turned around English cricket this season is stunning and so entertaining in the process. Ticks all boxes
