Jonathan Rea in race for Sports Personality of the Year
Jonathan Rea has been named among the contender for the BBC Sports personality of the Year.
Last updated 27th Nov 2017
The triple World Superbike champion faces fierce competition from his 11 rivals, including heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, Tottenham footballer Harry Kane and tennis star Johanna Konta.
The Ballyclare rider is making his first ever appearance on the list, after making history in September of this year, becoming the first person to ever win a hattrick of consecutive world titles.
“I'm very excited to be included in the nominations for such a prestigious event and it really is the icing on the cake after a great year in Superbike," he said.
"Right now, I feel like I'm in a dream, and I never imagined I would have won three World Championships in a row.
"I'm very happy to represent my sport as it's been a decade since a motorcyclist has been nominated so to be recognised with all other mainstream sports is something I'm so proud of.
"As a fan of sport, I've grown up watching SPOTY on television and now to be nominated for the main award is pretty awesome! I’m excited to share the room with so many sporting greats and celebrate a fantastic year of sporting success in the UK”.
The awards will be held on 17 December, with a public vote opened to decide who wins the overall crown.
The sportspeople he is up against are; Elise Christie - Short Track Speed Skating; Sir Mo Farah - Athletics, Chris Froome - Cycling, Lewis Hamilton - F1, Anthony Joshua - Boxing, Harry Kane - Football; Johanna Konta - Tennis, Jonnie Peacock - Para-athletics, Adam Peaty - Swimming, Anya Shrubsole - Cricket, Bianca Walkden - Taekwondo.