The race for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year 2024 award is officially underway, with six remarkable athletes shortlisted for the honor. Voting is now open for fans to select their favorite, with the winner to be revealed during the live BBC One show on December 17.
Here are the contenders for the award:
1. Simone Biles (United States – Gymnastics)
Simone Biles continues to prove why she is considered the greatest gymnast of all time. After a challenging few years marked by the “twisties” during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles made a triumphant return to the Paris Games. At the age of 27, she secured three gold medals in the all-around, vault, and team events, as well as a silver in floor. With a total of 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship golds, Biles solidified her place as the world’s most decorated gymnast.
2. Caitlin Clark (United States – Basketball)
Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s basketball has been nothing short of historic. The 22-year-old was selected as the number one pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and had an incredible rookie season, setting records for points and assists. Clark’s achievements reached new heights when she became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA basketball, surpassing Pete Maravich’s 54-year-old record. Her electrifying performances this year garnered an astonishing 18.9 million viewers for the NCAA final, highlighting her immense popularity.
3. Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland – Para-athletics)
Wheelchair racer Catherine Debrunner made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, winning five gold medals in various distances, including the 400m and marathon, and adding a silver in the 100m. Debrunner, a five-time world champion, continued her dominance outside of the Paralympics by winning the London Marathon, defending her Berlin Marathon title, and setting a new course record in Chicago. She is a true force in para-athletics.
4. Armand Duplantis (Sweden – Athletics)
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis remains the undisputed pole vault king. The 25-year-old Swedish sensation retained his Olympic title in Paris, becoming the first back-to-back Olympic champion in pole vaulting since the 1950s. He also broke the world record for the ninth time in his career, setting a new high of 6.26m at the Diamond League meeting. With two world championships and three European golds in 2024, Duplantis’ legacy as the greatest pole vaulter of all time is secure.
5. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands – Athletics)
Sifan Hassan’s incredible achievements in Paris cemented her status as one of the most versatile athletes in the world. After winning bronze in the 5,000m and silver in the 10,000m, she claimed gold in the marathon, setting a new Olympic record. Hassan became the first woman to win Olympic gold in all three events, and the first athlete since 1952 to medal in all three at a single Games. Her groundbreaking feat has captured the imagination of sports fans around the globe.
6. Leon Marchand (France – Swimming)
French swimming sensation Leon Marchand has become a global superstar. The 22-year-old, who already boasts five world championships, made a huge splash at the Paris Olympics by winning four gold medals. His victories in the 400m individual medley, 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and 200m individual medley established him as one of the best swimmers in the world. Marchand’s achievements earned him the distinction of being the first French swimmer to win four golds in a single Olympic Games.
