Andy Murray could become the first athlete in history to retain the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award next month, where the Scot looks likely to win the award for the third time in his glittering career.
What Are The Odds has analysed the 20 athletes nominated for this year’s award, with various bookmakers offering a market on the 2016 BBC SPOTY, with Murray currently streaks ahead at 4/9 (1.44).
The tennis phenomenon is a runaway leader coming into the ceremony on December 14th, although competition from the likes of Mo Farah and Alistair Brownlee could spoil his hat-trick party.
Having already clinched the gong in 2013 and 2015, Murray has enjoyed the greatest year of his career to date, finishing as runner-up in two major finals and claiming the Wimbledon crown for the second time in his career before retaining his Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro.
The 29-year-old’s unstoppable consistency has also helped him become the first Briton - male or female - to take his place as world No. 1, having recently dethroned Novak Djokovic after his 122-week streak at the summit.
Olympians Brownlee and Farah are also among the favourites to win BBC SPOTY this year, priced at 4/1 (5.00) and 12/1 (13.0), respectively, although 8/1 (9.00) Laura Trott could also be a major threat, listed as the highest-priced female following her two gold medals in Rio.
The odds fall sharply from there, and Wales’ Euro 2016 hero Gareth Bale looks an unlikely bet for the award at 33/1 (34.0), despite leading his nation to the semi-finals in France, and heavyweight boxing powerhouse Anthony Joshua is marooned even further out at 50/1 (51.0) alongside Lewis Hamilton, who recently lost his Formula One world title to Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Trott may be one of the first athletes to compete against her spouse in the BBC SPOTY running, with husband and fellow gold medal-winning cyclist Jason Kenny also in the mix, albeit a major dark horse at odds of 66/1 (67.0).
Danny Willett stunned the world when he won the Masters back in April, but after struggling for wins since then, it’s perhaps fitting the Sheffield native is down at 100/1 (101.0), level with Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy, as well as Tour de France winner Chris Froome.
With so much cycling influence in the running, Mark Cavendish follows up the pack as a 200/1 (201.0) outside bet, although the controversial Team Dimension Data rider may not fancy his chances too much.
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