If Andy Murray, the favourite, is rewarded for Great Britain’s Davis Cup victory, he will become the first since Damon Hill to win a second SPOTY award and also the fifth for tennis. Lewis Hamilton, too, could become a double winner (and uniquely would be back-to-back) which would enhance Formula One’s lead as the second most popular sport to be recognised. Interestingly both Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell have won it twice – both of them the first time for near, unfortunate misses before becoming world champion, whereas Hamilton was only a runner-up when he won the world title the first time.
There are no cricketers, male footballers or rugby union players on the list which leaves Sinfield and Lucy Bronze carrying the hopes of traditional team sports. Of the 61 previous winners only 10 have come from Britain’s three most popular spectator sports and though Sinfield’s odds are shortening, you would be advised not to hold your breath.