In the world of sports, where talent shines bright and feats of athleticism captivate our hearts, must watch Sports Personality of the Year award 2023, which stands to the extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape. The year 2023 bears witness to yet another thrilling chapter in this legacy, as we unveil the shortlist of contenders who have displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and dedication. Let us delve into the stories of these remarkable athletes, each vying for the coveted title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
1) Rory McIlroy: The Golfing Virtuoso
Rory McIlroy, the golfing virtuoso, embarked on a redemptive journey in 2023. The scars of the 2021 Ryder Cup, where Europe suffered a record defeat, served as motivation for McIlroy. His talismanic performance at this year’s tournament made him the top points scorer on either side, with four out of five matches won.
Age: 34
Sport: Golf
On the PGA Tour, McIlroy’s remarkable season featured 13 top-10 finishes in 18 events, including strong showings at three of the four majors. He clinched victory at the Scottish Open and retained the Race to Dubai title for the fifth time. For a part of the year, he reigned as the world number one, reaffirming his status as one of golf’s true legends.
Also BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 Stars has also been announced.
2) Frankie Dettori: The Horse Racing Icon
Frankie Dettori, a maestro on horseback, embarked on his farewell tour in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the UK racing circuit. His final year in British racing was adorned with a string of triumphs, all marked by his signature flamboyance. Dettori clinched two Classics, the 2000 Guineas and the Oaks, in his customary style.
Age: 52
Sport: Horse Racing
His victories extended to Royal Ascot, where he claimed the Gold Cup on Courage Mon Ami and the Coronation Cup at Epsom aboard Emily Upjohn. In a final curtain call at Champions Day, Ascot bore witness to Dettori’s last-to-first victory on King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes, a fitting end to his storied career on British soil before his move to the United States.
3) Stuart Broad: The Cricket Maestro
Stuart Broad, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, bid farewell to the sport in 2023 with a flourish that left the cricketing world in awe. His final appearance in the Ashes Test was nothing short of magical. Not only did he make a stunning six as a batter, but he also clinched the final wicket, securing a memorable victory for England.
Age: 37
Sport: Cricket
Stuart Broad’s legacy is etched in the annals of cricket history. With 604 Test wickets, he stands fifth on the all-time list, a testament to his mastery of the craft. His name is spoken in the same breath as legends, having scored over 3,000 runs and taken 300 wickets at the Test level—a feat achieved by only ten individuals in the history of the sport. Broad’s retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that cricket enthusiasts will cherish for generations.
Check out the list of BBC Sports Personality Unsung Heroes
4) Mary Earps: The Football Marvel
Mary Earps, the guardian of England’s football fortress, emerged as a standout player in 2023. Her exceptional performance played a pivotal role in England’s historic journey to the Women’s World Cup final, where they reached the pinnacle of the sport for the first time. Throughout the tournament, Earps conceded only four goals, keeping three clean sheets—a display of goalkeeping prowess that earned her the World Cup’s Golden Glove award.
Age: 30
Sport: Football
Her achievements extended to domestic football, where she claimed the Women’s Super League Golden Glove for the 2022-23 season, recording an astonishing 14 clean sheets. Furthermore, her outstanding contributions earned her the title of England Women’s Player of the Year for 2022-2023 and a fifth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting. In April, she played a pivotal role in England’s victory in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima, sealing the deal with a penalty shootout defeat of Brazil.
5) Alfie Hewett: The Wheelchair Tennis Phenom
Alfie Hewett’s meteoric rise in 2023 saw him conquer the world of wheelchair tennis. He clinched seven singles titles, including the prestigious Australian and US Opens, narrowly missing out on a third Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Hewett also dominated the Wheelchair Singles Masters, culminating the year as the world number one.
Age: 26
Sport: Wheelchair Tennis
In the realm of doubles, Hewett and partner Gordon Reid etched their names in history by claiming three of the four Grand Slam titles available: the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Together, they boast an impressive tally of 18 major titles. Hewett’s contributions were integral to the Great Britain squad’s triumph in the World Team Cup, solidifying his status as a true tennis phenom.
Sir Kenny Dalglish has been awarded for the lifetime tribute
6) Katarina Johnson-Thompson: The Athletic Champion
Katarina Johnson-Thompson, the epitome of resilience and excellence, secured her second heptathlon World Championship title in a breathtaking fashion. In a titanic battle in Budapest, she edged out her American counterpart, Anna Hall, by a mere 20 points. What makes this victory even more remarkable is that she trailed by 93 points at the end of day one, only to stage a remarkable comeback.
Age: 30
Sport: Athletics
Her exceptional performance included a massive long jump of 6.54 meters, a personal best in the javelin, and another personal best in the 800 meters. This triumphant win, despite battling injuries that plagued her since her first world gold in 2019, underscores her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport. Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s journey to gold is a testament to the human spirit’s triumph over adversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist boasts a stellar cast of athletes who have left an indelible mark on their respective sports. Each contender has a unique and inspiring story, making the task of selecting the winner a truly challenging one. As we await the grand event on Tuesday, 19 December, let us celebrate these extraordinary individuals who have illuminated the world of sports with their talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit.
