BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023: Betting Tips and Preview

The end of the sporting year means two things, a hectic festive schedule of football and horse racing, and the awarding of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The award has been running since 1954, and has become a landmark moment in the sporting and broadcasting calendar. 

The list of previous winners includes the great and the good in the history of British sport from Andy Murray to Bobby Moore and even Princess Anne. 

Who is in the running?

Mary Earps @ 1.18

The England women’s goalkeeper is currently the strong favourite with Smarkets. Earps became a household name in 2022 when she played a crucial role in England’s Euros-winning side, not missing a single minute of action. After keeping four clean sheets, she was subsequently named in the team of the tournament. 

The Nottingham-born star was also rewarded with a mural in the city centre after the tournament.

It wasn’t until 2023 that she really became a star though, during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. Her on-field heroics prompted a rush to buy an England goalkeeper kit with Earps’ name on the back, only England’s kit supplier Nike did not stock any.

When they were eventually put on sale, earlier this month, the £84.85 jersey sold out in just five minutes - a measure of Earps popularity.

Earps won the Golden Glove award at the World Cup and went on to finish as the highest ranking goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or Feminin in October. 

Stuart Broad @ 14.0

Back in July, Stuart Broad brought his 18-year professional cricket career to an end. He has been a consistent fixture in England’s Test match team since he first came onto the scene in 2007, representing his country 167 times. 

He ended his career on a high becoming the first player in the history of cricket to both hit the final ball he faced as a batter for six and then taking a wicket with his final ball as a bowler.

Like Earps, Broad is also from Nottingham so there is a decent chance the city will be celebrating on Tuesday evening.

Broad’s 607 Test wickets - the second most of any non-spinner - will see him go down as one of England’s all-time greats.

Katerina Johnson-Thompson @ 26.0

The 30-year-old Liverpudlian claimed the heptathlon world title for the second time in 2023. 

Having won her first title in 2019, she suffered an injury set-back just eight months before the Tokyo Olympics which seriously disrupted her preparation. She did make it to the Olympic Games but had to pull out after suffering a calf injury much to her dismay.

Despite fearing that her injuries could be career-ending, her comeback in Budapest during the summer was a real high-point of her career in what was an emotional triumph.

Frankie Dettori @ 36.0

The much-celebrated flat racing jockey waved goodbye to a remarkable career in British racing, moving to California to carry on racing. 

In his final season, the 53-year-old won the 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Coronation Cup before topping it all off with victory in the Champion Stakes atop King of Steel in his final ride. 

Alfie Hewitt @ 40.0

The 26-year-old wheelchair Tennis player had a year to remember in 2023, collecting more than his fair share of silverware. He won the singles titles at both the Australian Open and the US Open, while also picking up doubles titles at the Australian Open, French Open and then Wimbledon.

He was also successful away from the majors as well, ending the season as world number 1 for the first time.

Rory McIlroy @ 100.0

Despite not winning a major, it was still a strong year for McIlroy whilst also flying the flag for the PGA TOUR in their battle with LIV Golf. 

He was consistent throughout the year finishing in the top 10 of three of the four majors and was an integral part of Europe’s Ryder Cup winning team, winning four points from his five matches.

Recommended Bet

Mary Earps doesn’t interest me at that price, especially considering the winner is decided by a public vote. Stuart Broad signed off his career in incredible style, has a great personality and I think is enough of a household name to win it.

Back Stuart Broad to win @ 14.0