Sports personality of the Year 2007

Sports personality of the Year - who gets your vote?

Recent successes at the hands of several young British sporting heroes mean that, despite our national teams’ near misses, we have plenty to be proud of. 

Each year one sportsman or woman is chosen to receive an award for their achievements over the last 12 months. 

Sports Personality of the Year is a glittering event and a prestigious accolade for the winner, who will be decided by public vote on 9th December. 

These are the bookies’ choices: 

• Lewis Hamilton: A stunning first season for the rookie driver saw him runner-up in the Formula One world championship. Current favourite for the prize. Odds 3-1. 

• Ricky Hatton: Champion boxer. In December he will fight Floyd Mayweather for a shot at the welterweight world title. Odds 4-1. 

• Joe Calzaghe: Boxing. With an outstanding fight record, Welsh Calzaghe has held the WBO title for over 10 years. His moment of the year came as he defeated WBC super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler in Cardiff earlier this month. Odds 5-1. 

• Paula Radcliffe: Olympic champion runner. Won the New York marathon last week, 10 months after giving birth. Winner of the award in 2002. Odds 16-1. 

• Justin Rose: Golf. Won the Volvo Masters in Spain and the European PGA Order of Merit crown. Odds 33-1. 

• Frankie Dettori: Although Italian by birth, the popular jockey lives and works in Britain. This year he won the Epsom Derby and the French Derby in the same week. Odds 33-1. 

• Jonny Wilkinson: Despite the fact that England lost out in the rugby world cup, Jonny put in a sterling performance and rallied the team. Winner of the award in 2003. Odds 40-1. 

Top 10 contenders will be announced on 30th November. 

Past winners have included David Beckham, Paula Radcliffe, Jonny Wilkinson, Kelly Holmes and last year Zara Phillips.