Sports Personality of the Year returns with five public‑voted awards

What is the Sports Personality of the Year award?

The Sports Personality of the Year award is an annual celebration that recognises outstanding achievement in sport across the United Kingdom. Hosted by the BBC, the ceremony brings together athletes, coaches and fans to honour those who have excelled on the field and inspired the nation off it.

History and significance

First presented in 1954, the award has evolved from a simple accolade into a cultural event watched by millions. Over the decades, it has highlighted moments such as Sir Roger Bannister’s four‑minute mile, the England cricket World Cup triumph in 2019 and the London 2012 Olympic legacy. The award not only celebrates elite performance but also reflects the values of perseverance, sportsmanship and community impact.

The return of public voting in 2024

After a brief period where the public vote was limited, the BBC announced that the 2024 ceremony will once again place fans at the centre of the decision‑making process. Audiences will have a direct say in five distinct categories, a move designed to increase engagement and give a voice to the supporters who fuel sport’s popularity.

How the public decides five categories

Each of the five public‑chosen awards will be decided through an online voting platform that opens on 1 December and closes on 10 December. Voters can select their favourite athlete, team or moment in each category, with the results announced live during the ceremony on 13 December.

Voting process and timeline

1 December – voting portal launches on the official BBC Sports Personality website.
5 December – reminder emails sent to registered users.
10 December – voting closes at midnight GMT.
13 December – winners revealed during the live broadcast.

The process is free, requires only an email address and a brief verification step to ensure each vote is authentic.

The five public‑chosen awards

These categories were selected for their broad appeal and relevance to the sporting calendar.

List of awards

Sports Personality of the Year – the headline award for the athlete who has made the greatest impact over the year.
Team of the Year – celebrates the group that achieved outstanding success.
Coach of the Year – recognises the mentor whose guidance led to exceptional performance.
Young Sportsperson of the Year – highlights a rising star under the age of 18.
Sporting Moment of the Year – honours a single event that captured the nation’s imagination.

Each award will be presented by a distinguished guest, and the winners will receive a trophy designed by a leading British artist.

Notable nominees and potential winners

While the final shortlist will be confirmed on 1 December, several athletes and teams are already generating buzz.

Candidates in each category

Sports Personality of the Year – possible frontrunners include a sprinter who broke the 100‑metre world record, a football captain who led England to a major tournament final, and a tennis champion who secured a Grand Slam title.
Team of the Year – contenders feature the national rugby squad that won the Six Nations, the women's cricket team that claimed the World Cup, and a club side that achieved a historic league‑cup double.
Coach of the Year – names such as the head coach of the Olympic swimming team, the manager who guided a Premier League club to an unexpected title, and the mentor of a rising gymnastics star are in the mix.
Young Sportsperson of the Year – a teenage skateboarder who landed a groundbreaking trick at the X Games, a prodigy swimmer who set junior world records, and a junior cyclist who won a European championship are being discussed.
Sporting Moment of the Year – memorable events include a last‑minute goal that secured a championship, a dramatic comeback in a tennis final, and a humanitarian gesture by an athlete that resonated globally.

These possibilities are based on performances reported by reputable sources such as BBC Sport and official sport governing bodies.

Impact of public involvement on the ceremony

Giving fans voting power changes the dynamic of the event in several ways.

Audience engagement and broadcast

The live audience is expected to grow as viewers tune in to see if their choices win. The BBC plans to integrate real‑time voting graphics, social media reactions and interactive polls throughout the broadcast. This approach mirrors the success of previous audience‑driven events, such as the BBC press release announcing the 2024 format, which highlighted increased viewer participation.

How to participate and vote

Anyone with internet access can join the voting process. The steps are straightforward.

Steps for voters

Visit the official voting page on the BBC Sports Personality website.
Create a free account using a valid email address.
Select your favourite nominee in each of the five categories.
Confirm your choices and submit the ballot.
Check back on 13 December to see if you voted for a winner.

Voters are encouraged to share their selections on social media using the hashtag #SPOTY2024, which will be displayed on the big screen during the ceremony.

Past moments shaped by public votes

History shows that fan voting can produce memorable outcomes. In 2016, the public chose a young swimmer as Young Sportsperson, a decision that propelled the athlete into the national spotlight. In 2020, the Sporting Moment award went to a heartfelt tribute by a footballer to a community after a natural disaster, illustrating how public sentiment can highlight compassion as well as performance.

These examples demonstrate that the public’s voice adds depth to the celebration, recognising not only pure athletic achievement but also the broader impact of sport on society.

As the 2024 ceremony approaches, the excitement builds around who will capture the nation’s heart. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or a casual fan, your vote will help shape the narrative of British sport for the year ahead.