The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is one of the biggest personal awards given out in the British sports world, and the race for the trophy is heated from day one. This week finally saw the crowning of the 2014 winner, a man that made waves because of a victory that some saw as an upset as well as his choice of date.
On Sunday night Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton first caused a sensation by showing up on the red carpet accompanied by his bulldog Roscoe. The well-behaved canine was a hit among the press, and apparently brought his owner good luck as Hamilton topped golfer Rory McIlroy in the voting to take the night's top honor.
Entering the night (and for most of the year), McIlroy was considered a heavy, heavy favorite to win the award on the strength of two major victories and his efforts in the Ryder Cup. However, underestimating Hamilton's odds would have been a mistake, as sites such as Gambling.com had spent the build up to the event calling the driver things like "Perhaps the only genuine rival" to McIlroy's chances. Ultimately those sentiments proved prescient as Hamilton's utter domination on the world's F1 tracks proved to be enough for him to claim his first ever SPOTY (after finishing as runner-up twice in the past).
Hamilton's case was strong enough for the voters, but there are still many that feel he did not deserve the honor over the Northern Irish golfer. After the event Twitter was aflutter with opinions on the result, with some like footballer Joey Barton ripping the decision.
Still, Hamilton has won and there's nothing that can be done about it now. Attention has now turned toward the 2015 edition, with Hamilton already being given 4/1 odds to repeat, followed closely by McIlroy at 6/1. While they may not compete in the same sports, the talent and dominance of the young stars is producing an intriguing rivalry all its own.
Entering the night (and for most of the year), McIlroy was considered a heavy, heavy favorite to win the award on the strength of two major victories and his efforts in the Ryder Cup. However, underestimating Hamilton's odds would have been a mistake, as sites such as Gambling.com had spent the build up to the event calling the driver things like "Perhaps the only genuine rival" to McIlroy's chances. Ultimately those sentiments proved prescient as Hamilton's utter domination on the world's F1 tracks proved to be enough for him to claim his first ever SPOTY (after finishing as runner-up twice in the past).
Hamilton's case was strong enough for the voters, but there are still many that feel he did not deserve the honor over the Northern Irish golfer. After the event Twitter was aflutter with opinions on the result, with some like footballer Joey Barton ripping the decision.
Still, Hamilton has won and there's nothing that can be done about it now. Attention has now turned toward the 2015 edition, with Hamilton already being given 4/1 odds to repeat, followed closely by McIlroy at 6/1. While they may not compete in the same sports, the talent and dominance of the young stars is producing an intriguing rivalry all its own.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
