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Sport Personality award sparks gender row

Sport Personality 2011 controversial nominations were revealed this week

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011 has been announced this week. For those who do not know who are nominated for this annual extravagant event three days before Christmas, here are those who are fighting for a place to be recognised for their part in what has been yet another remarkable year for British sport:

Mark Cavendish (cycling), Darren Clarke (golf), Alastair Cook (cricket), Luke Donald (golf), Mo Farah (athletics), Dai Greene (athletics), Amir Khan (boxing), Rory McIlroy (golf), Andy Murray (tennis) and Andrew Strauss (cricket)

To me this is a surprise selection and this top ten has been widely criticised by many people who are left bewildered over the fact no women are in the shortlist. Across Twitter, the likes of Rebecca Adlington who won gold in China this year at the 800m swimming championships and also missed out on the shortlist by one vote was said to be “sad” over this decision and hopes there is an “all woman nominations after London 2012”. In addition, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Chrissie Wellington who won her fourth Ironman championships brand the shortlist as “disgraceful” to women.

Why are no females included in the shortlist this year? The way Sports Personality works is that 27 sport editors of various UK publications nominate the ten who deserve to be recognised for their achievements this year. It has been the case since 2006 and this year no woman in the shortlist is a first. Out of these papers and magazines, just over half have chosen at least one woman but there are notable media outlets such as The Independent, The Evening Standard, Zoo etc. who have not nominated one, hence the unhappiness of so many people.

I have to say myself; I do question some of the sport stars shortlisted. I mean, although being golf’s world number one is a remarkable career highlight, Luke Donald to me shouldn’t be on this list neither must Andy Murray who still hasn’t won a tennis major and to me has not progressed compared to previous years. He’s hasn’t climbed in tennis world rankings this year and I don’t think he should be on the list. In the end of the day, every person has the right to be nominated through consistency and out of the nominations; only Rory McIlroy, Andrew Strauss and Mo Farah have done just that. I am glad Darren Clarke is in it as he won UK open this year in golf and Dai Greene for being a world, European and Commonwealth champion in the 400m races. He has been in consistent form also and deserves to be in the shortlist.

Out of the women, I feel Charlotte Edwards; captain of the England woman cricket team should be on the shortlist because of the side’s incredible year recently beating South Africa and have won 12 of the last 13 tests. It is an achievement to be proud of. Why hasn’t she been chosen by any of the 27 publications is beyond me and yet Patrick Vieira, Dimitar Berbatov and Yaya Toure were chosen by Manchester Evening News were picked – for the PFA Player of the Year, perfect – but to remember a talent contest aimed towards casting back on British talent in 2011 simply does not fit.

I can understand women’s anger and frustration over not being nominated but they should not take this matter personally. I’m sure if Mo Farah and Amir Khan weren’t shortlisted, it would have opened a racial debate and sport editors be criticised over not being multicultural enough however this award ceremony must not be a complete reflection to sports men and women’s achievements this year. BBC Sport Personality of the Year may be one of the bigger ceremonies but women who are not nominated this year and felt they should have can be proud of their landmarks especially with the likes of Non Evans who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honour list this summer and to all the other volunteers and campaigners who ensure sport is an exceptional benefit to the youth in this dedicated nation and across the world also. They will be remembered for the great things they have done to improving society and building bridges with different communities. In all honesty, it hasn’t been the most perfect year in British sport for both genders but as Gary Lineker said on the One Show, next year when the London 2012 arrives, the nominations next year will be more equal.

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