The 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race, with bookmakers offering intriguing odds reflecting the exceptional athletic achievements of this Olympic year. While several athletes delivered outstanding performances, the betting suggests a tight competition between a select few.
Initially, Bradley Wiggins, following his historic Tour de France victory and Olympic gold medal, was the overwhelming favorite at Coral, boasting odds as short as 4/7. However, Mo Farah, with his double gold-medal triumph in the 5000m and 10000m at the London Olympics, significantly narrowed the gap, shortening his odds to 5/2. This impressive performance propelled Farah from a long shot to a serious contender, highlighting the impact of recent athletic feats on public perception and betting markets.
Jessica Ennis, another British Olympic gold medalist, also remained a strong contender, though at longer odds of 5/1. Her heptathlon victory captivated the nation, cementing her place among the top contenders, albeit with a slightly less prominent position in the betting than Wiggins and Farah.
The impact of the Olympic Games is clearly evident in the betting odds. As Coral spokesman Gary Burton noted to betrescue.com, “In an ordinary year, Farah’s achievements this week would virtually guarantee winning S.P.O.T.Y, but it’s an Olympic year and we’ve seen a number of double gold performances, as well as Wiggins’ feat in the Tour de France.” This statement underscores the exceptional concentration of high-profile achievements in 2012, making the competition exceptionally tight.
Comparative Odds from Coral.co.uk
The following tables present the odds offered by Coral.co.uk for the Sports Personality of the Year award and for potential New Year’s Honours.
| Athlete | Sports Personality Odds | Knighthood Odds | Damehood Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley Wiggins | 4/7 | 1/10 | – |
| Mo Farah | 5/2 | 2/1 | – |
| Jessica Ennis | 5/1 | – | 4/5 |
| Andy Murray | 20/1 | 10/1 | – |
| Sir Chris Hoy | 33/1 | – | – |
Note: Odds are subject to change and were current at the time of the original article’s publication. Refer to Coral.co.uk for the most up-to-date information.
The odds for potential knighthoods and damehoods further highlight the recognition given to these athletes. The short odds for Wiggins and Ennis reflect the high likelihood of receiving these honors.
Beyond the Frontrunners
While Wiggins, Farah, and Ennis dominated the headlines and betting, other athletes like Andy Murray and Sir Chris Hoy, both Olympic medalists, were also in contention, albeit with significantly longer odds. This demonstrates the depth of talent and achievement within British sports in 2012.
The inclusion of odds for potential New Year’s Honours adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative, showcasing the broader societal impact of these athletes’ achievements beyond the sporting arena.
The 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award was a testament to the remarkable sporting year, with several contenders vying for the prestigious title. The betting odds provide a fascinating lens through which to analyze the public’s perception and the relative impact of each athlete’s success.
Call to Action: Who do *you* think should have won the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award? Share your thoughts in the comments below!