Search
shop

The alternative SPOTY shortlist – and this time there is a triathlete on it

Some well-deserved recognition for IRONMAN World Champ Lucy Charles-Barclay
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

It’s the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Tuesday this week, with the winner to be decided by a public vote from a shortlist of six.

There was no triathlon representation among those nominations despite the fact that two British athletes became world champions for the first time in 2023 – Beth Potter in the World Triathlon Championship Series, while Lucy Charles-Barclay was crowned IRONMAN World Champion.

Both had compelling ‘back stories’ too – Potter has switched sports having represented Team GB over 10,000 metres on the track while LCB had been second on her previous four attempts at the IMWC in Kona.

Advertisement

Deserved recognition

The SPOTY list is headed by England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps and cricketer Stuart Broad, with Frankie Dettori, Alfie Hewett, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Rory McIlroy the other contenders.

But as ever there was plenty of debate about the merits of others and the Independent has now produced an alternative list of six – and this time there is a triathlete on it.

That’s Charles-Barclay, with her journey to IRONMAN World Champion referenced as follows: “It had been a long time coming, she fractured a hip last year and broke a bone in her foot in May, but fought back, and claimed the title having been runner-up in Kona in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.”

Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Tape
British triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay takes the tape to win the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship (Getty Images for IRONMAN).

Joining her is men’s 1,500m world champ Josh Kerr, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ashes cricket hero Nat Sciver-Brunt, football star Jude Bellingham and Kevin Sinfield, the former rugby league great who has achieved such incredible fundraising feats through his ultramarathon running.

All would have been very worthy nominees for the BBC award.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders provides BIG update on triathlon comeback
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...