An amazing show in store this year with undoubtedly the strongest field of all-time.
The contenders are multifarious.
Bradley Wiggins and his sideburns becoming the first British winner of the world’s greatest cycle race, and sticking two fingers at the French in the year they thought the Olympics would be coming to Paris.
Mo Farah singlehandedly justifying Labour’s multicultural policies, giving Daily Mail readers a nosebleed and earning the tag of “great” from none other than Noel Gallagher.
Poster girl Jessica Ennis capturing the hearts of a nation.
Poster boy Tom Daley doing the same.
The legendary Sir Chris Hoy cementing his place as Great Britain’s greatest ever sportsman.
Sir Ben Ainslie’s fourth successive gold in sailing and his defiant firework celebration.
The Brownlee boys racing to glory against adversity and a 15 second time penalty, culminating in that memorable finish when Alistair draped himself in the Union flag.
Andy Murray’s exploits at the All-England Championships and then clinching gold at the home of tennis four weeks later.
Katherine Grainger’s fairytale gold in rowing at the age of 36 after three successive silvers.
John Terry’s defiant bulldog spirit in the face of adversity, leading Chelsea to Champions’ League glory with a man of the match performance in the final against the Germans, distinguishing himself as the finest defender at Euro 2012 with that memorable goal line clearance, and then defending himself successfully in court. Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Stuart Lancaster’s leadership as he awoke the sleeping giant of English rugby union football, culminating in total demolition of the Irish.
Lord Coe’s skills as general in directing the whole Olympic operation.
Katie Taylor has been nominated by the Daily Telegraph and she must be in with a shout although I’d prefer to see her placed in the overseas category.
Britain is great again, and expect the show to reflect it unapologetically. The only thing that could make it even better would be for Gabby Logan to host it, with Luke Campbell’s mother and sister as special guests.
Two hours won’t be enough this year. This show will not be contained and needs to go into extra-time.
I’m already counting the days.
