Keely Hodgkinson is streaking clear as the red hot favourite to be named the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Hodgkinson is odds on to win the SPOTY gong, which will be announced on December 17. The Team GB star became the golden girl of the summer Olympics in Paris after winning the 800m title.
The 22-year-old had finished second at successive World Championships having won silver on her Olympic debut in Tokyo as a teenager three years ago. Hodgkinson entered the final as favourite and duly delivered on her tag with a performance to mark her occasion on the biggest stage.
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Hodgkinson’s closest rival is teen darts sensation Luke Littler, who is second favourite following his remarkable debut season on the professional circuit. The 17-year-old has earned more than £1million in prize money, with his unprecedented run at last year’s World Darts Championship followed by success in the Premier League of Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts.
Cycling legend Mark Cavendish (22/1), sailor Ben Ainslie (33/1) and England cricketer Joe Root (66/1) are all outsiders for the award.
(Image: PA)
William Hill spokesman Lee Phelps said: “The BBC have confirmed the 2024 Sports Personality of the Year award will be presented on Tuesday 17 th December, and Keely Hodgkinson has extended her lead as we head into the final lap.
“With three weeks to go, we make Hodgkinson a heavy 1/4 favourite, streets ahead of nearest challenger Luke Littler, who appears to be running out of time to topple the Team GB hero.
“Mark Cavendish, Ben Ainslie, Joe Root and even Lando Norris have been in with a shout previously, but the path now appears clear for Keely’s coronation next month.”