BREAKING: BBC Sport's Personality Of The Year Award Shortlist Announced

2016 has surprisingly been a good year for British sport. Despite the Ryder Cup team losing, England being England at the Euros and the less said about what's gone on off the pitch the better, it's actually been really good for most people.

Of course after a long year of competing against the world's best the last thing for sport's stars to care about winning is BBC's Sports Personality of the Year Award. Sure it might not be why they compete but they certainly want to win it!

The BBC tonight announced the nominees for this year's awards. Unsurprisingly there's a lot of OIympians and Paralympians on there, with only two footballers splitting up the list of those who were in Brazil this summer:

·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

·Danny Willett - Golf

Unsurprisingly tennis star Andy Murray is clear favourite to win after winning Wimbledon for the second time, defending his Olympic gold medal and finishing the year as world number one for the first time. It would be the third time that Murray has captured the award if he wins on December 18th.

Before anyone starts Murray does have personality and besides the word refers to the meaning "a celebrity or famous person".

Alistair Brownlee is likely to get a mention because of his heroism in helping his brother cross the line when he collapsed at the tour ending triathlon. It should be hotly contested second and third place but Murray will surely win.

The event comes from live from Birmingham on BBC when the Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Helen Rollason Award and Get Inspired Unsung Hero Awards will also be decided.

The 16 for 2016 will now go on to compete for the public vote on the night of the live show.

Votes can be cast by phone or online on the evening of Sunday 18 December. The number to call for each contender will be revealed during the programme. There is no voting via email, Red Button or by text. For further information go to bbc.co.uk/sportspersonality.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28