YOUR GUIDE TO THE 12 CONTENDERS
ANTHONY JOSHUA (Boxing,28)
Ranked as the world’s top heavyweight after a thrilling victory over Wladimir Klitschko at a sold-out Wembley in April. The 2012 Olympic champion defended his IBF title against Carlos
Takam last month. Odds:2/7
LEWIS HAMILTON (FormulaOne,32)
Became Britain’s most successful F1 driver by winning his fourth world championship, overtaking Jackie Stewart’s record of three titles. Previously won the award in 2014.
Odds:6/1
JONNIE PEACOCK (Para-athletics,24)
Regained the T44 100m world title at the London Stadium in dramatic style, five years after he was crowned Olympic champion on the same track.
Odds:33/1
BIANCA WALKDEN (Taekwondo,26)
Defended her world taekwondo heavyweight crown in South Korea before winning back-to-back Grand Prix events, including her first title in Moscow in August.
Odds:100/1
CHRIS FROOME (Cycling,32)
Claimed his fourth Tour de France title before winning his first Vuelta a Espana — becoming just the third rider to complete cycling’s prestigious double.
Odds:12/1
ADAM PEATY (Swimming,22)
Retained his 100m and 50m breaststroke crowns at the Worlds as he broke his own world record twice in the 50m, becoming the first man to swim the distance in under 26 seconds.
Odds:50/1
ANYA SHRUBSOLE (Cricket,25)
England’s hero in the World Cup final triumph against India at Lord’s in July, claiming six wickets for 46 runs to turn the match on its head and seal victory.
Odds:100/1
MO FARAH (Athletics,34)
Signed off from his track career at his home World Championships by winning 10,000m gold — his 10th global title — but missed out on doubling up in the 5,000m.
Odds:16/1
JONATHAN REA (Motorcycling,30)
The Northern Irishman has enjoyed a season of breaking records in World Superbikes, becoming the first rider to win three successive titles.
Odds:50/1
ELISE CHRISTIE (Speed-skating,27)
The Scot became the first European woman to win the 1,000m, 1500m and overall gold at the World Championships in Rotterdam back in March.
Odds:100/1
HARRY KANE (Football,24)
Tottenham and England striker has won back-toback Premier League Golden Boots and has scored 47 goals in 45 games in all competitions for club and country this year.
Odds:33/1
JO KONTA (Tennis,26)
Rose to a career-best world ranking of four in the summer after she won the Miami Open and got through to semi-finals of Wimbledon for the first time.
Odds:100/1