Sports Personality of the Year 2016

[Deleted member 16999]

I don't like the team GB thing. If not everybody knows everybody it isn't a team. Ask Farah to name the hockey team, ask Wittlock to name all rowers, ... .

Anyway, team of the year has to be British Cycling. They all came back with medals from Rio. If you consider how much they had to overcome. Every single one of them has asthma. It's more heart breaking than BGT, thinking about it. And is still performing to the highest level. There are now kids sitting at home hoping to be diagnosed with it, so they too can level the playing field.

On 2nd thought, Leicester will do.

Problem is, when they gave it to Team GB in 2012 they actually broke their own rules and have now made a rod for their own back.

2012 Rules below:

TEAM OF THE YEAR

For the team in an individual sport or sporting discipline that has achieved the most notable performance in the calendar year to date. The team should have significant UK interest or involvement.

For the avoidance of doubt this criteria excludes Team GB/Paralympics GB but includes the likes of British Cycling, Rowing Coxless Four and the European Ryder Cup team.

 

[larmen]

I wasn't aware that there even was a rule about it. But in 2012 I kind of agreed with the team choice. It was such a feel good year back then, and as far as I can remember no other team actually did something truly amazing.

Now Leicester was a 5000-1 shot. A once in a century (?) thing, and team GB happens every 4 years now.



As for individual, Murray has probably the best winning record, and I would vote for him.
But does Ali Brownlee has a shot? Not only because he won in Rio, but also because people might remember him for carrying his brother over the line in the season final.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I wasn't aware that there even was a rule about it. But in 2012 I kind of agreed with the team choice. It was such a feel good year back then, and as far as I can remember no other team actually did something truly amazing.

Now Leicester was a 5000-1 shot. A once in a century (?) thing, and team GB happens every 4 years now.



As for individual, Murray has probably the best winning record, and I would vote for him.
But does Ali Brownlee has a shot? Not only because he won in Rio, but also because people might remember him for carrying his brother over the line in the season final.

Personally I'd prefer Brownlee, but Murray has had an incredible year.

You're probably correct about Leicester, no other team comes close.

Discounting Team GB in 2012, The Ryder Cup Team did OK that year😃

 

[larmen]

Discounting Team GB in 2012, The Ryder Cup Team did OK that year

Well, back then I was still running and golf wasn't a sport :rofl:

 

[richy]

Carl Frampton should be on the list. Became a unified and 2 weight world champion in meaningful fights. Not enough to win it but he should definitely be included on the list.

 

[User62651]

Think this show and awards has run its course imo, for me it harks back to days pre satellite when there was only 3 channels on tv and much less accessibility to sports on tv. Specialist TV shows near Christmas were a big deal back then (pre 1990), not now, we get any shows and films we want any time we want.
With catch up tv via internet we get to watch our favourite sports moments over and over, we don't need to wait to the end of the year to see them rolled out in a long show again, as used to be the case.
It's a bit of Beeb love in and whilst I used to watch 20+ years ago I don't bother anymore, find it a little cringe tbh and have to sit through durge like horse racing, snooker and cricket. I have BT sports so 4+ live channels and on demand more sports recordings than you could ever hope to watch.
SPOTY is an ok watch but its built up to be something its not, when Murray or Hamilton look back on their careers ina few years time I really can't see them putting their SPOTY trophy or trophies up there with wins at Monaco GP or Wimbledon.

 

[Hacker Khan]

Think this show and awards has run its course imo, for me it harks back to days pre satellite when there was only 3 channels on tv and much less accessibility to sports on tv. Specialist TV shows near Christmas were a big deal back then (pre 1990), not now, we get any shows and films we want any time we want.
With catch up tv via internet we get to watch our favourite sports moments over and over, we don't need to wait to the end of the year to see them rolled out in a long show again, as used to be the case.
It's a bit of Beeb love in and whilst I used to watch 20+ years ago I don't bother anymore, find it a little cringe tbh and have to sit through durge like horse racing, snooker and cricket. I have BT sports so 4+ live channels and on demand more sports recordings than you could ever hope to watch.
SPOTY is an ok watch but its built up to be something its not, when Murray or Hamilton look back on their careers ina few years time I really can't see them putting their SPOTY trophy or trophies up there with wins at Monaco GP or Wimbledon.

I am not sure any awards ceremony will ever compete with the highest sporting achievement in your particular sport. So by that yardstick you may as well cancel them all. Plus I am sure there are many snooker and cricket fans who resent having to sit through the dirge of golf, which outside of The Ryder Cup is probably the worlds least televisual sport.

To me as a sports fan it's just nice look back at the sporting year in a easily digestible chunk without having to sit through endless talking heads or elongated programs making the particular event to be the most important thing since the birth of time (hello Sky Sports). Yes it has lost a bit of it's lustre and importance, but if you got rid of it you can imagine the howl of complains from the BBC license payers who don't have Sky or BT complaining that the BBC is abandoning all sports, we pay our licences, etc etc...

 

[Dan2501]

Had to google him to find out who he was!

What's your point?

Bisping has overcome adversity to become the first British UFC champion. He beat arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time in a fantastic fight in London. He then shocked the world and knocked out the Middleweight champion to win the belt and then defended it in Manchester against a guy who brutally KO'd him 7 years earlier. It's the greatest career renaissance in recent history. He's gone from being seen as a journeyman middleweight to the undisputed champion of the world, and a champion who has defended his belt. Then he's done it all with one eye. One of his eyes has a layer of oil over it to protect his retina, if it becomes detached again it could see him being permanently blind. Not saying he should win it, but to not even be nominated when 3 horse riders and Jamie Vardy have been is a joke.

McGregor should win the Overseas award too. He's the biggest sports star in the world right now and a newly crowned 2 weight world champion. Won't get a look in though.

 

[BrianM]

Andy Murray for me, superb stuff to get to number 1 in the world, think he won 23 games in a row, could be wrong.

Leicester City for team award, phenomenal achievement in my opinion with the squad Ranieri had.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Any time someone says "such and such" should be in the list then it's always going to be from a perspective of being a fan of said sport

I too had never heard of "Bisping" and had to search for him - he is part of a minority sport i would suggest and whilst a fan of the sport would acclaim him I would suggest that non fans won't and also as witnessed wouldn't have a clue who he is

The list is full of people who have excelled on the biggest stage in the worldwide area

The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world and when you excell on that platform the whole world sees it and not just the fans of the sport

Carl Frampton for example though is one name that will go beyond Boxing fans and would agree that he prob should be on that list

And McGregor maybe the biggest "MMA" star but beyond that most don't care - where as someone like Bolt is known by everyone

 

[Dan2501]

I disagree. Just because Equestrian is in the Olympics doesn't mean there should be 3 horse riders in the SPOTY contenders. Olympics or not, you must admit 3 horse riders in the nomination is a little overkill? I'd bet that more people watched Bisping vs Henderson or Bisping vs Rockhold than watched the horse dancing. And then Jamie Vardy is even more of a joke. Wasn't even Leicester's best player, let alone deserving of SPOTY.

Also, McGregor is far more than an "MMA" star. The biggest superstars in the world are all talking about McGregor. As an example, Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to Conor's team to organise meeting up with him in LA, hung out and posed with him in the cage. His last 3 PPV's on record have achieved 1.4m, 1.6m and 1.6m buys and the latest is trending to do as many as 1.8m-2m PPV buys, and that doesn't include everyone watching on TV in countries outside the US such as on BT Sport in the UK. McGregor's doing Mayweather/Tyson level PPV's, his last fight managed more Social impressions than the Super Bowl, he's a HUGE global star, and a global star that has achieved something no-one has achieved before.

 

[FairwayDodger]

What's your point?

Bisping has overcome adversity to become the first British UFC champion. He beat arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time in a fantastic fight in London. He then shocked the world and knocked out the Middleweight champion to win the belt and then defended it in Manchester against a guy who brutally KO'd him 7 years earlier. It's the greatest career renaissance in recent history. He's gone from being seen as a journeyman middleweight to the undisputed champion of the world, and a champion who has defended his belt. Then he's done it all with one eye. One of his eyes has a layer of oil over it to protect his retina, if it becomes detached again it could see him being permanently blind. Not saying he should win it, but to not even be nominated when 3 horse riders and Jamie Vardy have been is a joke.

McGregor should win the Overseas award too. He's the biggest sports star in the world right now and a newly crowned 2 weight world champion. Won't get a look in though.

No big point just that you can hardly expect someone who is virtually unknown to get nominated for a popularity award like this.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I disagree. Just because Equestrian is in the Olympics doesn't mean there should be 3 horse riders in the SPOTY contenders. Olympics or not, you must admit 3 horse riders in the nomination is a little overkill? I'd bet that more people watched Bisping vs Henderson or Bisping vs Rockhold than watched the horse dancing. And then Jamie Vardy is even more of a joke. Wasn't even Leicester's best player, let alone deserving of SPOTY.

Also, McGregor is far more than an "MMA" star. The biggest superstars in the world are all talking about McGregor. As an example, Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to Conor's team to organise meeting up with him in LA, hung out and posed with him in the cage. His last 3 PPV's on record have achieved 1.4m, 1.6m and 1.6m buys and the latest is trending to do as many as 1.8m-2m PPV buys, and that doesn't include everyone watching on TV in countries outside the US such as on BT Sport in the UK. McGregor's doing Mayweather/Tyson level PPV's, his last fight managed more Social impressions than the Super Bowl, he's a HUGE global star, and a global star that has achieved something no-one has achieved before.

First of all there is two "horse riders" in the list

1. Sophie Christiansen won three gold medals at Dressage and throughout the whole year never finished below 2nd - that in itself is a fantastic achievement

2. Nick Skelton was in his 7th Olympics and at 58 became the second oldest ( oldest was in 1908 ) - he retired 16 years ago after taking his neck in two places

I don't know one single person who watched those two fights you mentioned and not heard anyone mention them on here - you are mentioning names that people have never heard of so I would suggest the appeal in the UK is a lot less that what you are implying - the same with McGregor - you talk about 1 m people watching via PPV - Bolt had billions watching him win three golds once again - everyone in the world more than likely knows Bolt and billions watched him as opposed to a couple mil watching McGregor.

It's clear you are a MMA fan so you will favour the MMA fighters but I'm afraid it's right now a minority sport

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It's clear you are a MMA fan so you will favour the MMA fighters but I'm afraid it's right now a minority sport

So is show jumping/dressage even if you dress it up under the name "olympics". Aside from that one event every four years when else does it come to the general public attention.

These names, along with Vardy and several others are why this list is a joke, too long and totally unnecessary. For all of those from the minor sports, they will have got their recognition from their own bodies and those following that sport. It's another testament of how poor BBC coverage is that they really have to try and eek the list out to make SPOTY look important. As others have said, its no longer relevant as you can view highlights and previous events from any number of sources and not wait for the old BBC jamboree to relive the best action of that year.

It's a way of filling the schedule, will probably appeal to the most casual of sporting fan rather than the hardcore of any particular sport and is not as important as some on here are making it out to be.

 

[Deleted member 18588]

It's clear you are a MMA fan so you will favour the MMA fighters but I'm afraid it's right now a minority sport

But then so is equestrianism, hockey and golf.

At a participant level tennis is very much a minority sport and Murray's popularity is enhanced by the "wall to wall" coverage of Wimbledon. That is not to, in any way, decry his achievements which are immense.

Due to budgetary constraints BBC has very little sports coverage so their shortlist focuses on those events where they have pictures to show and, therefore, the programme is nowhere near truly representative of the sporting year.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

But then so is equestrianism, hockey and golf.

At a participant level tennis is very much a minority sport and Murray's popularity is enhanced by the "wall to wall" coverage of Wimbledon. That is not to, in any way, decry his achievements which are immense.

Due to budgetary constraints BBC has very little sports coverage so their shortlist focuses on those events where they have pictures to show and, therefore, the programme is nowhere near truly representative of the sporting year.

It is the "BBC" Sports Personality of the Year so they will of course focus on the sports that they broadcast - it is very representative of the BBC sporting year and that's common knowledge and that won't change despite that same cries year after year. If people don't like it then don't watch it or vote for anyone in their list

It's the same grumbles year after year - the BBC constantly get berated about not showing enough sport and then they get berated about showing a sporting awards , then they get berated for who they pick ! I have a sneaking feeling that the BBC would get berated regardless of what they did

Every single one of those sportsmen or ladies on that list have had a fantastic year - they have achieved wonderful levels in their respective sports - some have broken records , some have defied the odds , some have achieved things that will never been seen again - yet people sat in their armchairs use words like "joke" and "disgrace" because it doesn't sit in with their opinion

How about we for once just put our hands together and congratulate our sports stars and the wonderful year they have had - yes suggest other names could be on the list due to their also fantastic years but not at the expensive of others and certainly let's maybe give the BBC a bit of break and maybe realise the constraints they are under and yet still are able to show us some fantastic sporting events

If the event is that irrelevant then I'm sure nothing will highlight that more than silence

 

[Dan2501]

I don't know one single person who watched those two fights you mentioned and not heard anyone mention them on here - you are mentioning names that people have never heard of so I would suggest the appeal in the UK is a lot less that what you are implying - the same with McGregor - you talk about 1 m people watching via PPV - Bolt had billions watching him win three golds once again - everyone in the world more than likely knows Bolt and billions watched him as opposed to a couple mil watching McGregor.

It's clear you are a MMA fan so you will favour the MMA fighters but I'm afraid it's right now a minority sport

Not true at all. The McGregor-Alvarez fight had a 3 page thread discussing it, McGregor-Aldo had a 10 page thread (which you posted in) and then the thread I started about Bisping had 2 pages of replies. How many posts were made about either of the Equestrian athletes?

 

[Deleted member 18588]

It is the "BBC" Sports Personality of the Year so they will of course focus on the sports that they broadcast - it is very representative of the BBC sporting year and that's common knowledge and that won't change despite that same cries year after year. If people don't like it then don't watch it or vote for anyone in their list

As the OP perhaps you should have made that distinction when posting.


And as for watching or voting, fear not I won't be doing either. Was once a relevant programme but now is irrelevant to many.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

As the OP perhaps you should have made that distinction when posting.


And as for watching or voting, fear not I won't be doing either. Was once a relevant programme but now is irrelevant to many.

I would have thought that people would be able to understand exactly what the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is about - it's not a new program to us all and the same happens every single year

And I guess it still has relevance to yourself and others because you and others are posting about it - or is it just to let people know that the event has no relevance to you ( yet enough to bother posting about it ? )

 

[Norrin Radd]

mma is and always will be A KNUCKLE DRAGGERS SPORT. cant see the beeb wanting to have anything to do with it.
and as for your three and two page threads ,take away your posts and what would you be left with .
sorry mate but mma will never be mainstream .unlike the horsey events that belong in a more civilised arena,and as such fit the beebs criteria.
dont take trhis as a knock at mma ,but two people in a cage fighting like bar room brawlers isnt going to float the majority of people in the civilised world. a few yes but not in the numbers you are wishing for for.