The nominees for the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award were announced on Monday evening, as the likes of Harry Kane, Anthony Joshua and Mo Farah featured among a 12 person shortlist.
Before starting to discuss my thoughts and opinions on the matter, lets just clarify that the Sports Personality of the Year Award is based on sporting achievements throughout the year. It takes into account the impact 'within and beyond' the sport or sporting achievement in question. And that's why it seems Jermain Defoe has been left out of the shortlist.
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Many have reacted to the fact that Jermain has missed out on the award this year after the inspiring story involving little Bradley Lowery captured the heart of a nation.
Bradley's battle with Neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer that mostly affects young children - was a long and difficult one, but one man was a constant in the months before his passing. From proudly clasping Bradley's hand as he walked out at Wembley before England's win over Lithuania to visiting the youngster in hospital on a regular basis, Jermain Defoe became an important part of his life and their friendship blossomed.
Defoe's relationship with Bradley captured the hearts of a nation, as they formed an incredibly special bond over a short period. He visited Bradley in hospital as he underwent treatment and also attended his birthday party with Sunderland teammate Vito Mannone, but he also revealed that the youngster changed him as a person.
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"People talk about obviously what I bring to his life but I can honestly say how he has changed me as a person you know, going to visit him in hospital." Defoe said in an interview with Lorraine Kelly.
Defoe continued to support the youngster, but the brave young lad from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, broke the heart of a nation on Friday 7 July when he lost his battle against Neuroblastoma. Hundreds of thousands rallied together to help him and his family battle this debilitating disease as Bradley's incredible journey sadly ended in 2017.
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The former Sunderland and Tottenham striker paid tribute to his best friend on Twitter shortly after his passing and wrote an incredibly powerful and emotional letter.
Defoe is a man who has given hope to many, including his best friend and hero Bradley Lowery, but the England international was once known by many for his antics off the field, with the 'playboy' image becoming many people's go-to stereotype of the 34-year-old, but Defoe has transformed his reputation and image and has become a role model.
The 35-year-old's charity work and dedication towards giving Lowery a better life has to be recognised by the Sports Personality Of The Year panel.
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Although his efforts within football aren't award-worthy, his incredible support beyond the game deserves plaudits. The love and care he showed for Bradley was above and beyond the call of duty.
Not only did his support for little Bradley give everyone hope, but Defoe has launched his own charitable foundation to help homeless, vulnerable and abused children in St Lucia, a place the 34-year-old has visited every year since he was a young child.
St Lucia is well known as a paradise holiday destination but little is heard of the poverty and abuse suffered by children there.
Jermain and his family have been sending barrels of clothes, food and medical supplies to the Holy Family Children's Home for many years. It is the only children's home on the island, housing around a dozen children, and his aims to raise money to build another home in the south so more children can receive the care and support they so badly need.
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Defoe is incredibly passionate about the foundation and believes he is in a very privileged position to help the people of St Lucia in time of need:
"St Lucia is close to my heart and I am in a position to be able to help these children whose lives are affected by poverty, homelessness and abuse. So many children in St Lucia live on the street or are passed between family and friends because their parents can't care for them. They deserve a better start in life." Defoe said.
Bradley's legacy will live on forever and the Bradley Lowery Foundation continue to do great work in the community.
Now let's give Defoe the recognition he deserves at the Sports Personality of the Year awards on Sunday, December 17.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Jermain Defoe, BBC
