The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is a prestigious award that recognises the athleticism and talent of an individual. We’re pleased to announce that our ambassador three-time world superbike champion Jonathan Rea has been confirmed as a contender for the 2017 award. The news was announced by Gabby Logan on The One Show.
Rea is the first motorcyclist to be nominated for the award in ten years, with the last rider being James Toseland. His nomination came after our petition with over 10,000 signatures was delivered to the BBC. Rea recently collected his MBE from Prince William for being the first person to win three consecutive World Superbike titles.
On being nominated, Rea said “I’m very excited to be included in the nominations for such a prestigious event and it really is the icing on the cake after a great year in Superbike. Right now, I feel like I’m in a dream, and I never imagined I would have won three World Championships in a row. I’m very happy to represent my sport as it’s been a decade since a motorcyclist has been nominated so to be recognised with all other mainstream sports is something I’m so proud of.”
Rea will be competing against the likes of Anthony Joshua, Lewis Hamilton and Mo Farah to win the award. Wimbledon champion Andy Murray won the award for a record-breaking third time in 2016. The shortlist was chosen by a panel of industry experts, including Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell and World Cup winning rugby union player Maggie Alphonsi.
The awards ceremony will take place at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Sunday 17th December. It’ll be broadcast live on BBC One and viewers will have the chance to vote online or over the phone.
Everyone at Carole Nash is wishing Rea the best of luck. He’s a phenomenal talent and deserves as much recognition as possible.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 2017 Sports Personality of the Year:
- Jonathan Rea – Motorcycling
- Elise Christie – Speed skating
- Mo Farah – Athletics
- Chris Froome – Cycling
- Anthony Joshua – Boxing
- Harry Kane – Football
- Johanna Konta – Tennis
- Jonnie Peacock – Para-athletics
- Adam Peaty – Swimming
- Anya Shrubsole – Cricket
- Bianca Walkden – Taekwondo
