European Athletics (EAA) – News – Ennis in line for BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

European heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis is among the favourites to be named the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The prestigious awards show takes place in Birmingham, England, on 19 December.

Ennis, the 24-year-old British multi-events star, added the European crown to her world heptathlon and pentathlon titles at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona with a world leading total of 6823 points. In the process Ennis also bettered the previous championships record set by Swedish great Carolina Kluft.

Ennis came third at the 2009 Sports Personality awards, held in her home city of Sheffield, and is a front runner this year.

Another Barcelona hero, Mo Farah, who stormed to gold in both the 5000m and 10000m at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona, is also among the list of nominees.

The 27-year-old set a new British road record for the 10km in May and he also became the first Briton to run under 13 minutes over 5000m when he shattered David Moorcroft's 28-year-old record at the Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

This year the two-hour spectacular will once again be broadcast live on BBC television, radio and online and will be attended by former winners of the main award and many of the biggest names from the world of sport.

Viewers can vote by phone during the live show at 19:00 on BBC1.

The other contenders for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award are: Mark Cavendish – Cycling, Tom Daley – Diving, Lewis Hamilton – Formula 1, AP McCoy – Horse Racing, Graeme McDowell – Golf, Phil Taylor – Darts, Lee Westwood – Golf, Amy Williams – Skeleton Bobsleigh.

European Athletics (EAA) – News