This time last week, I was sat amongst a 16,000 strong audience for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2012. What an evening it was. The atmosphere inside the ExCel Arena was fantastic, with many memorable moments. From the opening montage with Emilie Sandé, to the crowning of the charismatic Bradley Wiggins, with the likes of a beautiful Jade Jones and Jessica Ennis along with Bert le Clos’ pride and humour being sandwiched in the middle, the night just served up incredible moment after incredible moment as the unbelievable British sporting year was brought to a close. It is hard to imagine a year like this ever being replicated in our lifetime, and as such, the event was one not to be missed.
The build-up to the event was probably the greatest it has ever been at. The shortlist was expanded from its traditional ten to twelve, with major names from the year, such as Laura Trott still being able to be omitted. Although Wiggins was the favourite early on, the likes of Ennis, Mo Farah, Andy Murray and David Weir were all being touted as winners; such was the level of achievement accomplished in 2012. However, I feel it is always worth noting that the title is named as ‘Sports Personality’, and yes, that normally means the most successful as it is the one that inspires the nation. However, in a year when so many Britain’s managed to achieve such a feat, the actual personality of the shortlist I think was a vital determinant to the vote, and my, does Bradley Wiggins have a personality. During his opening interview with Sue Barker, he referred to her as ‘Susan’, joked about Gary Lineker, and pretended to collect the trophy. The man makes people laugh and is keen to be seen as just an ordinary man privileged enough to lead a successful sporting career. He was an athlete who really deserved to win. On the other hand though, if any able-bodied athlete had achieved the feats of David Weir (gold in the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon) they would have been a shoe-in for the title. It is an incredible physical feat particularly with the restricted recovery time. So although this year has once again made the public become more accepting and interested in the Paralympic movement, I would argue there is still work to be done before the athletes are seen on par with their able-bodied compatriots.
Similarly, the likes of Andy Murray, gold medallist, silver medallist, US Grand Slam winner, Wimbledon runner-up would waltz the award normally, such has been the long wait for British male tennis success. Let us not forget Greg Rusedski won the award in 1997 for being the US Grand Slam runner-up! They normally state that winning the award is much tougher in an ‘even’ year and I think that statistic sums it up perfectly. Murray was also a part of one of the most comical moments of the evening too. Lennox Lewis was brought in to present his award, but clearly did not hear his cue through the satellite link from London, which resulted in Murray just taking the award for himself. Poor Lennox must have been hugely embarrassed, but I think everyone could understand. Again though, I anticipate this will be something the BBC tries to address somehow in future years if they have contenders who cannot make the occasion personally. It also said a lot, in my opinion, that the BBC’s Sport Relief charity evening was given a mere couple of seconds mention, such was the amount of sporting stories that had to be crammed into the two and a half hour show, which eventually ran on to three hours. Similarly, the Ryder Cup team missing out on ‘Team of the Year’ as the selection panel broke their own rules in order to reward Team GB and Paralympic GB for those unforgettable couple of summer months. Complaints have also emerged as people struggled to get through to vote for their favourite. The landslide victory suggests it would have made no difference, but it makes me query whether the BBC should maybe open the lines from the start of the show rather than wait until they have interviewed each member on the shortlist. But these are in essence just minor quibbles that have emerged following the night, where I refuse to believe anybody did not enjoy themselves, whether they were a member of the live audience or watching from the comfort of their homes.
One of my unforgettable moments, will be the story, interview, and speech provided by Martine Wright, the winner of the Helen Rollason award. It touched the heart-strings and was inspirational, demonstrating that whilst your heart beats and your brain operates, you should still be able to achieve your dreams. It was remarkable. In the face of such adversity, having been a part of the most disturbing moment in recent British history, she made something special happen. She was always going to be a part of the London 2012 journey, and in the end, managed to participate and what I hope is a huge inspiration to many others. Despite having lost her legs, she was determined to still walk up on to that stage to accept her award. Amazing. As was the moment with Fabrice Muamba, taking the time to embrace all those on stage with him and then to address them to their faces, rather than the camera. If ever there was a man more grateful for his health this year, and of the luck he had with his tragic incident, it would be Fabrice. A time when your health is more important than sport and the career you could have in it.
I will never forget the evening however, my seat did not provide a fantastic view (I got a regular look at Sue Barker and Gary Lineker’s rear-end!) but everyone was just buzzing off the excitement at reliving the year of sport. I was able to watch all the stars walk into the arena right by me, the likes of the England Woman’s Cricket team, Louis Smith, Bert le Clos and Mick McCarthy just to name a few. I participated in a Poznan and was part of many standing ovations, of which each one I thought was justified. I saw many members of sporting fame and saluted the top three, and in particular, ‘Wiggo’, the deserved winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2012.
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