Olympic Hero Keely Hodgkinson and Darts Sensation Luke Littler Lead the Way as Favorites for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024
As the year comes to a close, the sporting world eagerly anticipates one of the most prestigious accolades in British athletics: the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. This year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with two standout contenders capturing the public’s imagination. Olympic middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson and teenage darts sensation Luke Littler have both made headlines for their extraordinary achievements in 2024, solidifying their status as frontrunners for the coveted prize.
Keely Hodgkinson: Dominating the Track on the Global Stage
At just 22 years old, Keely Hodgkinson has established herself as one of the most formidable athletes in middle-distance running. The 2024 Paris Olympics proved to be a defining moment in her career. Competing in the 800m, Hodgkinson delivered a stunning performance to claim gold, showcasing her tactical brilliance and raw speed. Her victory not only fulfilled her lifelong dream of Olympic glory but also broke a longstanding British record, cementing her legacy in athletics.
Hodgkinson’s path to Olympic success has been a story of dedication and resilience. Following a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she set her sights on gold, meticulously honing her skills and building her endurance. Her 2024 season was marked by a series of dominant performances on the Diamond League circuit, where she consistently outran the world’s best athletes. Her rivalry with American Athing Mu and Kenya’s Mary Moraa added drama to her Olympic campaign, but Hodgkinson’s mental toughness and precision in the final meters of the race set her apart.
Off the track, Hodgkinson has become a role model for young athletes, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and gender equality in sports. Her humility and determination have endeared her to fans, making her a strong candidate for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Luke Littler: The Young Prodigy Revolutionizing Darts
On a completely different stage, 17-year-old Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm, redefining what’s possible for a teenager in the sport. Dubbed the “Little Giant,” Littler has enjoyed a record-breaking year, culminating in his first major title at the PDC World Matchplay Championship. His stunning victory against established stars like Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price showcased not only his technical skill but also his ability to handle pressure under the spotlight.
Littler’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. At just 16, he became the youngest player to secure a PDC Tour Card, and his rapid ascent since then has left fans and commentators in awe. In 2024, he consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances, including a nine-dart finish at the UK Open, further solidifying his reputation as a future legend of the sport.
What sets Littler apart is not just his undeniable talent but also his charisma and composure. Despite his youth, he handles media attention with the poise of a seasoned professional, and his enthusiasm for the game has reignited interest in darts among younger audiences. Littler’s story is one of raw potential meeting hard work, and his success has inspired a new generation of players to pick up a dartboard and dream big.
A Battle of Generations and Sports
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award has a long history of celebrating diverse sporting achievements, from athletics to team sports and even niche disciplines like darts. This year’s race highlights the fascinating contrast between two contenders representing vastly different sports and career trajectories.
Keely Hodgkinson’s achievements are rooted in decades of British excellence in athletics, following in the footsteps of legends like Dame Kelly Holmes and Mo Farah. Her Olympic gold in the 800m is a testament to her mastery of a sport that demands not only physical endurance but also strategic brilliance. Meanwhile, Luke Littler’s rise symbolizes a new era in darts, where youth and innovation are challenging the dominance of older, more experienced players.
Both athletes bring unique qualities to the table. Hodgkinson’s gold medal represents a crowning achievement on the world’s biggest stage, while Littler’s historic breakthrough as a teenager signals a changing of the guard in his sport. The decision may ultimately come down to how voters weigh the significance of Olympic glory versus groundbreaking success in a less traditional sport.
Other Contenders in the Running
While Hodgkinson and Littler have captured much of the spotlight, the field of contenders for BBC Sports Personality of the Year is far from narrow. Other notable athletes include:
- Ben Stokes, for his leadership of the England cricket team during an eventful Ashes series.
- Eve Muirhead, who has continued to shine in curling, building on her success from the 2022 Winter Olympics.
- Adam Peaty, who made a remarkable comeback to reclaim dominance in swimming.
Each of these athletes has a compelling case, but Hodgkinson and Littler’s unique stories have resonated most strongly with the public.
Why the Award Matters
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award is more than just a trophy; it is a reflection of the nation’s admiration for excellence, perseverance, and inspiration in sport. Past winners, including icons like Sir Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton, and Marcus Rashford, have used the platform to further their impact beyond their disciplines. For Hodgkinson and Littler, winning the award could provide an opportunity to amplify their voices and inspire even greater change in their respective sports.
Conclusion: Two Icons, One Prestigious Prize
As the countdown to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony begins, all eyes are on Keely Hodgkinson and Luke Littler. Both have achieved extraordinary feats in 2024, captivating audiences with their talent, determination, and charisma. Whether it’s Hodgkinson’s golden run in Paris or Littler’s dazzling dominance on the darts stage, their stories represent the very best of British sport.
Ultimately, the winner will be decided by public vote, but one thing is certain: both Hodgkinson and Littler have already cemented their places as heroes of 2024. The award, if anything, will be the cherry on top of a year they will never forget.