PA
Andy Murray is the clear favourite to claim the 2013 Sports Personality of the Year after the 10-man shortlist was revealed.
Murray became the first Briton in 77 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles title, and the historic significance of that feat arguably dwarfs any of his rivals' achievements this year.
Other contenders include jockey Tony McCoy, the 2010 winner, who rode his 4,000th career winner this month, and Mo Farah, who won double athletics gold at the World Championships in Moscow.
Tour de France winner Chris Froome and US Open champion Justin Rose have also made the cut, while Gareth Bale's dazzling performances for Tottenham have earned him a somewhat fortuitous inclusion.
James Anderson's 22-wicket haul in the summer Ashes series has merited a nomination and Ronnie O'Sullivan's virtuoso comeback at the Crucible has granted him a spot on the shortlist.
Sports Personality of the Year award nominees
14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 - Day Eight(01 of70)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 17: Mo Farah of Great Britain poses for a photo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel following his second Gold medal win in the 5,000m at Luzhniki Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 - Day Eight(02 of70)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 17: Mo Farah of Great Britain poses for a photo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel following his second Gold medal win in the 5,000m at Luzhniki Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 - Day Eight(03 of70)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 17: Mo Farah of Great Britain poses for a photo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel following his second Gold medal win in the 5,000m at Luzhniki Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 - Day Seven(04 of70)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 16: Mo Farah of Great Britain crosses the Line to win gold in the Men's 5000 metres final during Day Seven of the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 at Luzhniki Stadium at Luzhniki Stadium on August 16, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ATHLETICS-WORLD-2013-5000M(05 of70)
Gld medallist Great Britain's Mo Farah poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men's 5000 metres at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16, 2013. AFP PHOTO / YURI KADOBNOV (Photo credit should read YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ATHLETICS-WORLD-2013-5000M(06 of70)
Britain's Mohamed Farah reacts after winning the men's 5000 metres final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16, 2013. AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ATHLETICS-WORLD-2013-5000M(07 of70)
Britain's Mohamed Farah (R) celebrates after winning the men's 5000 metres final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16, 2013. AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 - Day Seven(08 of70)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 16: Mo Farah of Great Britain celebrates winning gold in the Men's 5000 metres final during Day Seven of the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 at Luzhniki Stadium at Luzhniki Stadium on August 16, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ATHLETICS-WORLD-2013-5000M(09 of70)
Gold medallist Great Britain's Mo Farah poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men's 5000 metres at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16, 2013. AFP PHOTO / YURI KADOBNOV (Photo credit should read YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
ATHLETICS-WORLD-2013-5000M(10 of70)
Great Britain's Mo Farah celebrates after winning the men's 5000 metres final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(11 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain climbs down after celebrating in his player's box with friends, family and members of his coaching team following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Anja Niedringhaus - Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Day Thirteen: The Championships - Wimbledon 2013(12 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TENNIS-GBR-WIMBLEDON-MURRAY(13 of70)
Britain's tennis player Andy Murray poses with the 2013 Wimbledon trophy during the Wimbledon Champions Dinner in central London on July 8, 2013, a day after he won the men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic. Murray said he is determined to push on from his stunning Wimbledon win and add further Grand Slam titles to his achievements. AFP PHOTO/POOL/BOB MARTIN (Photo credit should read BOB MARTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Day Thirteen: The Championships - Wimbledon 2013(14 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray (R) of Great Britain climbs down after celebrating in his player's box with friends, family and members of his coaching team following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) at Wimbledon on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(15 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain holds the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(16 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain climbs down after celebrating in his player's box with friends, family and members of his coaching team following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Anja Niedringhaus - Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(17 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain poses with the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(18 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain poses with the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy following his victory in the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Championships - Wimbledon 2013: Day Thirteen(19 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates victory during the Gentlemen's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Anja Niedringhaus - Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tennis - 2013 Wimbledon Championships - Day Thirteen - The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club(20 of70)
Great Britain's Andy Murray kisses the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (credit:PA)
U.S. Open - Round Four(21 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: A fan congratulates Justin Rose of England as he leaves the trophy presentation with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(22 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England looks up as he celebrates with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(23 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England celebrates with the U.S. Open trophy while holding a wicker basket flagstick after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(24 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England kisses the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(25 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England celebrates with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Justin Rose - U.S. Open Winner Media Access(26 of70)
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - JUNE 17: Justin Rose of England is surrounded by the morning papers as he reads the stories of his US Open win at Merion Golf Club at his hotel on June 17, 2013 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(27 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England kisses with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(28 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England celebrates with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(29 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: Justin Rose of England celebrates on the 13th green during the final round of the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
U.S. Open - Round Four(30 of70)
ARDMORE, PA - JUNE 16: The media photographs Justin Rose of England as he celebrates with the U.S. Open trophy after winning the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(31 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(32 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(33 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes celebrates after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/G2etty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(34 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(35 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(36 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy makes his way to the parade ring to ride Mountain Tunes before going on to win his 4000th career win in The Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race at Towcester racecourse on November 07, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(37 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes celebrates with his family after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(38 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes celebrates with his family after winning the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race for his 4000th winner on November 7, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(39 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy poses with his trophy marking his 4000th career victory at Towcester racecourse on November 07, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Towcester Races(40 of70)
TOWCESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes celebrates victory to give Tony McCoy his 4000th career win in The Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle Race at Towcester racecourse on November 07, 2013 in Towcester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-EUR-C1-JUVENTUS-REAL MADRID(41 of70)
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale (R) celebrates after scoring a goal past Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (L) during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match Juventus vs Real Madrid at the Juventus stadium in Turin on November 5, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - La Liga(42 of70)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 30: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring Real's opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on October 30, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ESP-LIGA-REALMADRID-SEVILLA(43 of70)
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 30, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ESP-LIGA-VILLARREAL-REALMADRID(44 of70)
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Villarreal CF vs Real Madrid CF at El Madrigal stadium in Villareal on September 14, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-TOTTENHAM-SUNDERLAND(45 of70)
Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale celebrates scoring the winning goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane in north London on May 19, 2013. Tottenham won the match 1-0. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-TOTTENHAM-MAN CITY(46 of70)
Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale (L) celebrates scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane in north London on April 21, 2013. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League(47 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Gareth Bale of Spurs celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at White Hart Lane on March 3, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(48 of70)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring the winning goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground on February 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton - White Hart Lane(49 of70)
Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale celebrates scoring during the Barclays Premier League match at White Hart Lane, London. (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur - Liberty Stadium(50 of70)
Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur (credit:PA)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(51 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(52 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(53 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(54 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(55 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(56 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(57 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(58 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy and his son Ronnie after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(59 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the trophy after beating Barry Hawkins of England to win the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Betfair World Snooker Championship(60 of70)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England enters The Crucible to play Barry Hawkins of England during the final of the Betfair World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre on May 6, 2013 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2013(61 of70)
Tour de France 2013 winner Britain's Christopher Froome (L) rides in the pack with the overall leader's yellow jersey at Paris' landmark Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris during the 133.5 km twenty-first and last stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 21, 2013 between Versailles and Paris. AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOUR (Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2013(62 of70)
Overall leader's yellow jersey Britain's Christopher Froome drinks champagne as he rides at the start of the 133.5 km twenty-first and last stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 21, 2013 between Versailles and Paris. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GUYOT (Photo credit should read PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Le Tour de France 2013 - Stage Twenty One(63 of70)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 21: Winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome of Great Britain and SKY Procycling celebrates on the podium after the twenty first and final stage of the 2013 Tour de France, a processional 133.5KM road stage ending in an evening race around the Champs-Elysees, on July 21, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Le Tour de France 2013 - Stage Twenty One(64 of70)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 21: Winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome of Great Britain and SKY Procycling celebrates on the podium after the twenty first and final stage of the 2013 Tour de France, a processional 133.5KM road stage ending in an evening race around the Champs-Elysees, on July 21, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Le Tour de France 2013 - Stage Twenty One(65 of70)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 21: Winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome of Great Britain and SKY Procycling (C) celebrates on the podium alongside second placed, best young rider and King of the Mountain Nairo Quintana (L) of Colombia and Movistar Team, and third placed Joaquin 'Purito' Rodriguez of Spain and Team Katusha after the twenty first and final stage of the 2013 Tour de France, a processional 133.5KM road stage ending in an evening race around the Champs-Elysees, on July 21, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Le Tour de France 2013 - Stage Twenty One(66 of70)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 21: Winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome of Great Britain and SKY Procycling celebrates on the podium after the twenty first and final stage of the 2013 Tour de France, a processional 133.5KM road stage ending in an evening race around the Champs-Elysees, on July 21, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Le Tour de France 2013 - Stage Twenty One(67 of70)
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 21: Winner of the 2013 Tour de France, Chris Froome of Great Britain and SKY Procycling celebrates on the podium after the twenty first and final stage of the 2013 Tour de France, a processional 133.5KM road stage ending in an evening race around the Champs-Elysees, on July 21, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2013-PODIUM(68 of70)
Tour de France 2013 winner Britain's Christopher Froome poses on the podium in Paris on the Champs-Elysee avenue, at the end of the 133.5 km twenty-first and last stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 21, 2013 between Versailles and Paris. AFP PHOTO / JEFF PACHOUD (Photo credit should read JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2013-PODIUM(69 of70)
Tour de France 2013 winner Britain's Christopher Froome poses on the podium in Paris on the Champs-Elysee avenue, at the end of the 133.5 km twenty-first and last stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 21, 2013 between Versailles and Paris. AFP PHOTO / POOL / STEPHANE MANTEY (Photo credit should read MANTEY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2013-PODIUM(70 of70)
Tour de France 2013 winner Britain's Christopher Froome poses on the podium in Paris on the Champs-Elysee avenue, at the end of the 133.5 km twenty-first and last stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 21, 2013 between Versailles and Paris. AFP PHOTO / JEFF PACHOUD (Photo credit should read JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The winner will be revealed on Sunday 15 December in Leeds.
CONTENDERS
JAMES ANDERSON
Starred in England's summer Ashes win, taking 22 wickets including a 10-wicket haul in the first Test at Trent Bridge, as well as becoming his nation's all-time leading ODI wicket-taker.
GARETH BALE
Was barely out of the news in a year which saw him sweep the board of Footballer of the Year awards for his dazzling displays for Tottenham, before his world record £85million move to Real Madrid.
MO FARAH
Farah continued where he left off in 2012 by winning both 5,000m and 10,000m world titles in Moscow, as well as breaking Steve Cram's 28-year-old British 1,500m record in Monaco in July.
CHRIS FROOME
May lack the broader public profile afforded his Great Britain team-mate Sir Bradley Wiggins but proved equally adept on two wheels by succeeding Wiggins as winner of the Tour de France.
BECKY JAMES
Having missed out on a place at the London 2012 Olympics, the then 20-year-old James came of age at the World Championships in Minsk by claiming double gold in the sprint and keirin.
TONY McCOY
The 2010 winner enjoyed another dominant year in the saddle, culminating in sealing his 4,000th career winner when his mount Mountain Tunes won at Towcester in early November.
McCoy celebrates his 4,000th win earlier this month
ANDY MURRAY
Ended Great Britain's 77-year wait for a men's Wimbledon title when he beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Centre Court, having also previously lost in the Australian Open final to Djokovic.
CHRISTINE OHURUOGU
Ohuruogu bounced back from the disappointment of her silver medal in London by winning her second 400m world title in Moscow, pipping Amantle Montsho by the narrowest of margins.
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN
Having sat out the majority of the season, the irrepressible O'Sullivan returned to the Crucible and won his fifth world snooker title with an 18-12 victory over Barry Hawkins.
JUSTIN ROSE
Finally made good on his early career promise by winning the US Open at Merion, overhauling Phil Mickelson to become the first British winner of the event in 43 years.