Keely Hodgkinson is currently the favorite to win the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, according to bookmakers William Hill. This comes after her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won gold in the 800m final. At just 22 years old, she has already made history by becoming only the 10th British woman to win athletics gold at an Olympic Games. She is also the third British woman to win this title, following in the footsteps of Kelly Holmes 20 years ago in Athens.
The upcoming 71st annual SPOTY awards ceremony will be held in December to honor 12 months of sporting achievements, including events like the European Championships and the Paris Olympics. Last year’s winner was England goalkeeper Mary Earps, but this year, Hodgkinson is expected to take home the trophy. Her odds have been reduced from 10/1 to 4/7, making her the frontrunner for the award. Emma Finucane, another Olympian, is now her main competitor with odds of 4/1 after her success in Paris.
In addition to Hodgkinson and Finucane, other contenders for the award include Luke Littler (5/1), Mark Cavendish (12/1), Josh Kerr (12/1), and Matthew Hudson-Smith (12/1). Littler gained fame after reaching the final of the World Darts Championship and later becoming the youngest Premier League Darts champion in history. Cavendish, on the other hand, achieved his record 35th stage win at the Tour de France.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps highlighted Hodgkinson’s outstanding performance at the Olympics and her subsequent rise as the favorite for the SPOTY award. He also mentioned the impressive achievements of other contenders like Emma Finucane, whose odds have dropped to 4/1 after setting a world record in the women’s team sprint.
As the excitement builds for the award ceremony, fans can place their bets with William Hill and even claim a £60 welcome bonus for new customers. It’s essential to gamble responsibly and set limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, resources like Gamcare and Gamble Aware are available to provide support and assistance.
With the SPOTY award just around the corner, all eyes are on Keely Hodgkinson and the other talented athletes vying for this prestigious honor. As the sporting world eagerly awaits the outcome, the betting odds continue to fluctuate, reflecting the dynamic nature of competition and the unpredictable nature of sports.