Luke Littler, Sky Brown, and William Ellard Shortlisted for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2024
Three of Britain’s brightest young sports stars—Luke Littler, Sky Brown, and William Ellard—have been named finalists for the prestigious BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award for 2024. This honor recognizes athletes aged 17 or younger as of January 1 who have demonstrated exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and dedication to their sport. Each nominee’s journey has been extraordinary, with achievements that have inspired fans across the country and beyond.
Luke Littler: The Teenage Darts Prodigy
At just 16 years old, Luke Littler became one of the most captivating stories in sports when he reached the final of the PDC World Darts Championship at the iconic Alexandra Palace earlier this year. Though he ultimately fell short against seasoned champion Luke Humphries, Littler’s performance signaled the arrival of a generational talent in the darts world.
His debut season as a professional has been nothing short of extraordinary. Littler clinched 10 titles in 2024, including major victories in the Premier League of Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts. These accomplishments solidified his status as a rising star and showcased his ability to compete against the best players in the sport.
As the year draws to a close, Littler is gearing up for another deep run at the World Darts Championship, which begins on December 15. The event concludes on January 3, giving the young phenom an opportunity to ring in 2025 with yet another high-profile success.
Upon learning of his nomination for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, Littler expressed his gratitude on social media. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“What a year 🤯🙏🏼. It’s been an amazing year and to be in the running for Young Sports Personality of the Year tops it off. If I’ve brought more fans to darts, then that’s all that matters to me.”
Littler’s journey from a teenage sensation to a bona fide professional has not only brought new fans to the sport but also inspired a generation of young players who see him as proof that age is no barrier to success.
Sky Brown: Skateboarding Sensation with Olympic Brilliance
Sky Brown, the 16-year-old skateboarding prodigy, continues to defy expectations with her fearless attitude and extraordinary talent. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Brown added another bronze medal to her collection, following her success at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Her journey to the podium in Paris was nothing short of heroic. Just days before traveling to France, Brown dislocated her shoulder, but she refused to let the injury derail her Olympic dreams. Competing against a field that showcased the ever-evolving depth of talent in women’s skateboarding, she demonstrated incredible resilience and skill to secure her place on the podium.
Brown’s nomination for Young Sports Personality of the Year is her second; she previously won the award in 2021. Reflecting on her nomination, she said:
“I’m honored to be shortlisted for Young SPOTY this year. Skateboarding has leveled up so much since the last Olympics. I’m so excited to see everyone push even harder and what that means for LA [the 2028 Olympics].”
Brown’s achievements have cemented her status as a trailblazer in her sport, inspiring young athletes to embrace creativity, courage, and determination.
William Ellard: A Paralympic Swimming Powerhouse
Eighteen-year-old William Ellard has had a phenomenal year in the pool, solidifying his place as one of Britain’s most promising Paralympic athletes. Competing in the S14 classification, Ellard made headlines at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning two gold medals. He set a new world record in the S14 200m freestyle and anchored Britain’s mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team to another gold. He also claimed a silver medal in the 100m butterfly, showcasing his versatility across multiple events.
Ellard’s success extended beyond the Paralympics. At the European Championships earlier in the year, he added two golds, a silver, and a bronze to his growing medal collection. His consistency and dominance have made him a standout figure in Paralympic swimming.
On his nomination, Ellard expressed his pride in being recognized alongside other young stars:
“To be shortlisted for this award means a lot to me. Some of the greats—like Wayne Rooney, Ellie Simmonds, Phil Foden, and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix—have won in the past, so to be nominated this year is a special feeling.”
Ellard’s achievements not only highlight his extraordinary talent but also underscore the importance of inclusivity and excellence in sport.
The Legacy of the Young Sports Personality of the Year Award
The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award has been a cornerstone of British sports since its inception in 2001, replacing the Newcomer Award. Open to athletes aged 17 or under, the accolade celebrates the remarkable achievements of young talent and their potential to shape the future of sport.
Past winners include household names such as Andy Murray, Wayne Rooney, Tom Daley, and Ellie Simmonds. These athletes went on to achieve greatness in their respective sports, and the 2024 nominees are poised to follow in their footsteps.
Looking Ahead
As the award ceremony approaches, fans will be eager to see which of these exceptional athletes takes home the honor. Luke Littler’s groundbreaking year in darts, Sky Brown’s fearless Olympic journey, and William Ellard’s Paralympic dominance each represent unique and inspiring narratives.
Regardless of the outcome, all three nominees have already made a profound impact on their sports and inspired countless young fans. Their stories remind us of the power of determination, resilience, and passion in achieving greatness. The winner will be announced at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony later this month, marking the culmination of a truly memorable year for young British athletes.