Nick Skelton makes BBC SPOTY shortlist
Monday 28 November 2016
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist was announced earlier this evening with Nick Skelton being one of the contenders that will go to the public vote next month.
Nick, from Alcester in Warwickshire won Individual Gold at the Rio Olympic Games this summer making him the first showjumper to ever deliver an Olympic Gold for Great Britain. In addition to making history he also made headlines as, at the age of 58 years, he was the second oldest Olympic individual gold medallist on record. His results were made all the more phenomenal when you consider that he initially retired 16 years ago after breaking his neck in two places.
Riding Big Star, who had also returned from injury, he inspired an entirely different generation that sport is available and accessible for all. Also, that no matter what age you are then you shouldn't give up on your dreams and that you can still participate in sport competitively.
Joining Nick as a contender on the shortlist is fellow rider Sophie Christiansen who won three gold dressage medals at the Rio Paralympics. Alongside Nick and Sophie are Nicola Adams, Gareth Bale, Alistair Brownlee, Kadeena Cox, Mo Farah, Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny, Andy Murray, Adam Peaty, Kate RIchadrson-Walsh, Dame Sarah Storey, Jamie Vardy, Max Whitlock, and Danny Willett.
The last time that a showjumper won Sports Personality of the Year was in 1960, when David Broome took the title. To see two equestrian athletes shortlisted is superb for the sport and congratulations are offered to both riders.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place on Sunday 18th December at the NEC in Birmingham. Voting takes place on the night via phone or online during the live show.
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