The stage is set for one of the most anticipated nights in the British sporting calendar as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony gets underway. Beyond the main prize, a host of other prestigious accolades will be handed out, celebrating a remarkable year of global sporting achievement.
World Sport Star of the Year: A Global Showcase
The shortlist for the World Sport Star of the Year is a veritable who's who of international sporting excellence. The athletics world is represented by the phenomenal pole vaulter Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis and the record-breaking hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. From the football pitch, the nominees include Liverpool and Egypt's iconic forward Mohamed Salah and Barcelona and Spain's star midfielder Mariona Caldentey.
The list is completed by the recently-retired, undefeated boxing champion Terence Crawford and the baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani, whose two-way prowess has captivated fans worldwide. This category highlights the sheer breadth of talent dominating sports across the globe this year.
Celebrating Rising Stars and Team Triumphs
The Young Sports Personality award promises a glimpse into the future of British sport. The shortlist features three phenomenal teenagers: darting prodigy Luke Littler, England's Euros-winning football hero Michelle Agyemang, and teenage cricket sensation Davina Perrin.
Meanwhile, the Team of the Year category presents an incredibly tough choice. It is contested by three sides whose achievements would be standout victories in any other year. The nominees are the England women's rugby union team, the England women's football team, and the triumphant European Ryder Cup team.
Special Recognition and Lifetime Achievement
The Helen Rollason Award, a special prize for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity, will also be presented. It follows in the footsteps of recent inspirational winners like Rob Burrow, Fatima Whitbread, and Mark Prince, who founded the Kiyan Prince Foundation in memory of his son.
The night will also see a Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon a true icon. This year, the honour goes to the legendary footballer, charismatic pundit, and undisputed style icon, Thierry Henry. The French superstar's incredible career and enduring impact on the game make him a fitting recipient for this va-va-voom finale.
With such a stellar array of nominees across every category, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 ceremony is set to be a thrilling celebration of a year packed with unforgettable sporting moments.
