AS December rolls around it is a perennial topic of heated watercooler conversation across the country.
AS December rolls around it is a perennial topic of heated watercooler conversation across the country. Nope, not what popster should be the Christmas No.1, but rather who should walk away with top honours at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014 awards.
The glitterati of the sporting world will descend on the SSE Hydro in Glasgow this Sunday night with the 10 names vying for the crown including footballer Gareth Bale, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, golfer Rory McIlroy and runner Jo Pavey.
Completing the list are dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, boxer Carl Froch, swimmer Adam Peaty, gymnast Max Whitlock, skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold and skiing duo Kelly Gallagher and Charlotte Evans.
The evening's proceedings, which will be shown live on BBC One, will be presented by Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding. It marks the 61st year of SPOTY and the first time that a Scottish venue has played host to the event.
It's an impressive set of nominees but given the colossal year this has been for sport in Scotland, one which has seen country play host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup, there has been some disappointment and criticism about the lack of home-grown talent on the list. Who wouldn't have loved to have seen Charlie "buzzing like a jar of wasps" Flynn on there?
Two Scots will battle it out for the title of BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2014 with Shetland swimmer Erraid Davies and Blairgowrie golfer Bradley Neil named on the 10-strong list.
Davies, 13, who became Team Scotland's youngest ever Commonwealth competitor at Glasgow 2014 this summer, has been nominated for her heroic efforts in the pool which saw her take bronze in the SB9 100m breaststroke and claim the hearts of the nation with her angelic smile.
Neil, 18, won the British Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush in June. His lofty achievement gains him entry to the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, next April.
Previous winners of this category include swimmer Ellie Simmonds, footballer Wayne Rooney, diver Tom Daley and Scottish tennis hero Andy Murray.
Six other awards will be presented on the night including recognising the team, coach, overseas sports personality of the year and the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014 takes place at the SSE Hydro, Glasgow, on December 14. Coverage will be shown live on BBC One from 8pm. For more information, visit bbc.co.uk/sportspersonality
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