Hamilton, Peaty and Rashford battling it out to join Emma Raducanu in the SPOTY top three

Cameron LoftusCameron Loftus10 December 2021
Lewis Hamilton Adam Peaty Marcus Rashford

Lewis Hamilton Adam Peaty Marcus Rashford

US Open winner almost nailed on to be crowned Sports Personality but the make-up of the rest of the podium appears more open.

Hamilton, Rashford and Peaty battling it out to join Emma Raducanu in the SPOTY top three
US Open winner almost nailed on to be crowned Sports Personality but the rest of the podium appear more open.
Tennis superstar Emma Raducanu is set to head the shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year Award when the full list is announced next week.
The US Open winner is as short as 1/12 for the award following an incredible 2021, which saw her rise from a world ranking of 366 to her current position of 19th.
However, while Raducanu looks certain to be crowned SPOTY, there are a host of names vying to join her in the top three.
Planet Sport looks at some of those in the running to make the podium in Manchester on December 19, complete with their odds of succeeding.

Lewis Hamilton

A lot rests on this weekend for the seven-time F1 champion driver, who faces a straight shootout for the driver's championship with Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Following a hugely controversial Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the two sit level on points heading into the final race of a crazy season.
However, the British driver is in the ascendancy having won the last three races.
If he wins his eighth F1 title it will take him past Michael Schumacher's haul and make a strong contender for best of the rest in Manchester.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford has enjoyed a successful year with England as well receiving huge credit for his campaigning against child hunger, poverty and homelessness.

Rashford featured in five games as the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle at Euro 2020.

However, it was away from the pitch where the Manchester United player made the most impact. He was awarded an MBE in recognition of his campaign to support vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rashford's endeavours, and there is a popular children's book, too, have endeared him to the public and there could be a wave of support for him on the night. Odds of 33/1 from Planet Sport Bet to finish inside the top three look generous

Adam Peaty

An Olympian has won SPOTY the past five times it has coincided with an Olympic year.

Two golds and a silver for Team GB in Tokyo have put Peaty in the running to make it six, while a stint on Strictly Come Dancing won't have done his chances any harm.

The 100m breaststroke gold medalist took time off from swimming after the Olympics to focus on his mental health, but may find himself overlooked in favour of another star of the pool.

Tom Daley

Diver Tom Daley was favourite to win his first SPOTY award before Raducanu US Open triumph in September.

Daley won the synchronized 10m platform diving event in Tokyo alongside Matty Lee, who was clearly minding Daley's phone when I'm A Celebrity rang.

And while Lee has been capturing stars, it shouldn't be forgotten that Daley captured the hearts of the British public thanks to his long-awaited gold medal - and love of knitting.
As short as 6/4 for the award at one point, Daley is odds-on for a top-three finish.

Tyson Fury

The Marmite boxer has threatened the BBC with legal action if he is nominated for the SPOTY award, though even the greatest legal minds in the country would struggle to make charges stick.
The WBC world heavyweight champion has twice been nominated for the award, including last year, and after beating Deontay Wilder for a second time would be worthy of recognition.

However, speaking to The Telegraph, Fury said: "It means nothing to me and I don't need it or want it.

"In fact, they will hear from my solicitors if they do put me on the list. Give it to someone who needs it. I don't."
Even after saying this, Fury is still one of the market principles. Everyone loves an anti-hero don't they?

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterlingenjoyed success in 2021 at both international and club level.

With Manchester City he won the Premier League title for a third time in his career and the League Cup for a fifth after City defeated Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley.

Sterling would go on to play at Wembley another six times as he helped England reach the final of the Euros.
The winger was arguably England's best player, contributing three goals and an assist.
But for penalties, Sterling would be much shorter in the betting.

Jason Kenny

Another Olympian on the list, Kenny broke the record for the most Olympic medals won by a Briton this summer, with nine.
The cyclist also defended the men's keirin gold in Japan to help him secure a seventh gold medal.
Considered one of the best cyclists of all time, nevertheless Kenny is 11/2 to make the top three in Manchester.
It could also be a family affair when the nominations are announced as his wife, Laura, became the first British woman to win gold at three separate Olympics in 2021.

READ MORE: F1 tips: Lewis Hamilton in box seat to take record-breaking eighth world title in Abu Dhabi

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