Bbc Sports Personality 2014

[Stephen_G]

Runners and riders (Literally, in one case)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/sports-personality/30158881

Golfer Rory McIlroy
Footballer Gareth Bale
#Gymnast Max Whitlock
F1's Lewis Hamilton
Swimmer Adam Peaty
Skeleton slider Lizzy Yarnold (Only Gold Medal at winter Olympics).
Boxer Carl Froch
Dressage's Charlotte Dujardin
Athlete Jo Pavey
Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher and guide Charlotte Evans.

[sunny-dave]

It should be Lewis - the first double F1 champion in over 40 years - puts him up there with the greats - Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark and Graham Hill.

... but he's a bit 'chippy' and also (whisper it) not very white ...

... so I reckon the much more cuddly (and distinctly whiter) Rory might edge it.

[New Judge]

Gareth Bale, another nominee, currently earns more than Lewis Hamilton. He lives in Madrid, having moved there in 2013. Whether or not he pays more tax on his earnings as a result of living there I don't know, but he almost certainly pays no tax in the UK. So why is not there similar criticism of his financial arrangements? And in any case, why do those arrangements have to be brought to the fore when discussing the likliehood of winning this award?

Tell me anybody who, given the opprtunity, would not jump at the chance at preventing the UK government from getting their hands on around half their income (especially when such large sums are involved) so that it can be squandered on whatever pet project or financial cess pit politicians see fit to pour it into.

Back to the question, if Lewis Hamilton does not win the award it will be more of a joke than it has already become.

[Prudie]

Whatever, thank heavens Andy Murray isn't on the list this year
:-) :-) :-)

PS Has to be Lewis

[DTCwordfan]

either McIlroy or Hamilton

[tamborine]

Lewis Hamilton for his wins but also as its the most dangerous sport.

[jourdain2]

Charlotte Dujardin - she currently holds every title it is possible to win in dressage. 2 gold Olympic medals, a double World Champion this year and thrice European Gold medallist. Hamilton doesn't come near!

[bednobs]

I think hte difference between bale and hamilton is that bale's day t day work is in spain: he could hardly live anywhere else

[bednobs]

also, why on earth do they call it sports personality? are they implying you have to vote on who's got the best personality? How would i know??

[janbee]

Probably Lewis Hamilton. Just hope it's not that McIlroy bloke .

[RandyMarsh]

I vote for KP!

[sunny-dave]

You're Nuts :)

[janbee]

KP? Katy Perry? Katie Price? Nuts?

[New Judge]

"...bale's day t day work is in spain: he could hardly live anywhere else"

Lewis Hamilton spends nine months of the year living out of a suitcase.

[DTCwordfan]

ʄ of tv coverage time - that's the delta between Hamilton and Bale.

[DTCwordfan]

As to tax for both of them, they have to pay on percentage of winnings/salary/advertising disbursements in each country and then claim back the deltas etc from their country of residence - a bl--dy nightmare I would think that justifies their expense on tax accountants.

[ichkeria]

I will admit to shameless bias here but if it was a choice between Hamilton and McIlroy (which it will be effectively) then I'd hate to think it would go to a bloke sitting in a souped-up computerised F1 car for seemingly endless laps :-)
What on earth Gareth Bale is doing on the list heaven knows

[Buenchico]

Am I the only person here who thinks that making a horse go backwards, sideways, etc is not only odd but cruel as well?

[Prudie]

I'd hope so. They are all natural movements of a horse, just garnered and controlled. Not much different from ballet dancers.

[tamborine]

If a horse objected its quite capable of rearing or bucking its rider off.

[jourdain2]

Just to finish off - all dressage movements are natural horse movements. The whole thing is a partnership, no cruelty or force involved - that would instantly destroy the trust between animal and rider. It is incredibly complex.