Peaty up for SPOTY for third year running

November 29, 2016 Swimming News

City of Derby swimmer and world record holder in the 100m Breaststroke, Adam Peaty, is amongst the line-up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016.

The Olympic gold medallist was perhaps the most talked about swimmer over the course of Rio 2016. He was the first British male swimmer to claim a 100m breaststroke gold medal since Duncan Goodhew took the title in 1980.

Peaty not only took the gold, but also broke the world record twice in the process. Swimming in the heats, he lowered his own world record to 57.55, showing he had a significant edge over the rest of the field. He then capitalised on his performance to shave almost half a second off his heats swim, touching in 57.13.

He was also a member of the silver medal winning 4x100m Medley Relay team. His successes at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games helped Team GB to achieve second place in the overall medal table.

Peaty faces tough competition

Also in the running are Nicola Adams (boxing); Gareth Bale (football); Alistair Brownlee (triathlon); Sophie Christiansen (equestrian); Kadeena Cox (athletics/cycling); Mo Farah (athletics); Jason Kenny (cycling); Laura Kenny, (cycling); Andy Murray (tennis); Adam Peaty (swimming); Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey); Nick Skelton (equestrian); Dame Sarah Storey (cycling); Jamie Vardy (football); Max Whitlock (gymnastics); and Danny Willett (golf).

Find out more about the nominees and how to vote online.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year is an annual awards ceremony which recognises some of the standout athletes of the year. 16 athletes are shortlisted and voted for on the night, leading to one eventual winner.

This year, the event will take place at the Genting Arena in Birmingham and will be hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.

There will also be a chance for volunteers to be recognised as part of the #BigThankYou campaign, where the stars call volunteers to say thank you for their continued dedication and passion to their sports.