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SPOTY 2016: Who made the shortlist, part 4

Tom Dodd
Golf

 

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By Thomas Dodd

  • Shortlist announced for 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year
  • 16 contenders drawn up after decision by panel of Sports Journalism/Media experts
  • Andy Murray won 2015 crown after guiding Great Britain to Davis Cup glory
LONDON, ENGLAND – It is almost time for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016, and in an Olympic year there are 16 worthy candidates – we take a look at the four of them.

 

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Dame Sarah Storey – Cycling

Age: 39
SPOTY History: 12th 2012

The most decorated British female Olympian had another Games to remember after returning from Rio with three medals around her neck. Victory in the Road Race, as well as success in the individual pursuit and time trial gave Storey her 14th Olympic Gold across Cycling and Swimming. Back in March, the Dame also collected a Gold and two Silvers at the Para-cycling Track World Championships

 

Jamie Vardy – Football

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Age: 29
SPOTY History: First-time nominee

Four years ago Jamie Vardy was playing non-league football with Fleetwood Town. Now, the Leicester City striker is a Premier League winner and has been included in the Ballon D’Or list for the best players in the world. He scored 24 goals in Leicester’s improbable title winning campaign which included a premier league record-setting run of scoring in 11 straight matches.

 

Max Whitlock – Gymnastics

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Age: 23
SPOTY History: 7th 2014, 8th 2015

Whitlock created history for GB gymnastics early on in Rio by becoming the first from these shores to medal in the all round individual competition when he claimed bronze. But he would go two better twice in the space of 90 minutes just days later when he won the men’s floor title before capping off a sensational evening by triumphing in the pommel horse discipline too.

 

Danny Willett – Golf

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Age: 29
SPOTY History: First-time nominee

The Yorkshire golfer  became the first English golfer to win the US Masters since Nick Faldo 20 years ago. He wasn’t even expected to be at Augusta as his wife Nicola was due to give birth to their first child. But the little bundle of joy arrived ten days early allowing the new Dad to go and create his own little piece history. He capped off his year by making his Ryder Cup debut for team Europe against the United States at Hazeltine in October.

 

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The BBC Sports Personality of the Year will take place on 18 December