Who might win Sports Personality of the Year in 2013?

Chris Froome before the start, a photo by kristof ramon on Flickr.

Early indications are that Bradley Wiggins is a shoo-in for this year’s Sport’s Personality of the Year (SPOTY). My attention’s therefore been drawn to who might be in with a chance of winning the 2013 award. However, in a year without a football World Cup or Olympics, the contest could be pretty open. In this article, I gaze into the sporting crystal ball and consider possible contenders for the 2013 SPOTY prize.

Chris Froome

Given Team Sky’s success at this year’s Tour de France, there’s a fair chance that they’ll also be in the reckoning for the 2013 race. Second in this year’s race, Froome might have had a chance to win had he not been asked to play second fiddle to Bradley Wiggins. Team Sky’s manager, Dave Brailsford, has hinted that Froome will lead the team in next year’s Tour de France so must be counted as one of the favourites for the 2013 race. Cycling’s a well-supported sport in the Britain now so if Froome does win the Tour, he will undoubtedly be one of leading contenders for SPOTY 2013.

 
Jess Ennis

After her gold medal at this year’s Olympics, Jess Ennis will surely be one of the favourites to win the hepathlon at the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow. Already a popular sports figure in Britain, Ennis will be bound to collect many votes if she does indeed become World Champion. Furthermore, there’s a strong chance that she won’t make the top three in this year’s SPOTY, meaning that she might gain votes next year in recognition for her achievements in 2012 too.

 
Matt Prior

In the absence of a major football tournament or Olympics next summer, the sports headlines are likely to be dominated by the Ashes series next year. Matt Prior will be crucial to England’s batting line-up, being able either to lead a run-chase, or bat out time as required. Both Ashes contests should be close encounters and Prior’s runs may be decisive in securing an English victory (especially if Alastair Cook sees a dip in form with the captaincy, and if the annoying version of Kevin Pietersen turns up). Also worth noting that the second Ashes series will take place while the SPOTY votes are being cast so Prior may benefit from additional exposure at just the right time.

 
Andy Murray

Having won his first grand slam earlier this year, Any Murray will be a leading contender in the major tournaments in 2013 too. Barring injury and a major loss in form, he must be regarded as being one of the favourites for Wimbledon next year. His popularity is also increasing so if he wins Wimbledon, we could well see him crowned the 2013 Sports Personality.

 
Kevin Sinfield

The Rugby League World Cup will be coming to British shores in 2013. Although Rugby League doesn’t get anywhere near the same attention in this country as Rugby Union does, it may become far more prominent next year with a home World Cup. There’s already been a major publicity drive for the tournament which inevitably will enter full swing next year. This coupled with the fact that England is currently third favourites for the World Cup, may help the tournament capture the public’s imagination. If it does, then leading Rugby League stars such as England captain Kevin Sinfield, may gain enough votes to be in with a shout for SPOTY.