The greatest sportspeople to never win SPOTY

After the BBC named Lewis Hamilton as the 61st Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday night, we look back on the 10 greatest British sports men and women never to win the award...

1. Ronnie O’Sullivan

A five-time world champion and one of the most gifted talents the sport of snooker has ever seen. O'Sullivan has never even made the shortlist.

2. Roger Bannister

The first person to break the four-minute mile, Bannister was second to fellow middle-distance runner Christopher Chataway in 1954 - the award’s inaugural year.

3. Ellen MacArthur

Broke the sailing record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005. Runner-up twice.

4. Bobby Charlton

One of the star players of the 1966 World Cup, England’s all-time record goalscorer and a Ballon d’Or winner. Runner-up twice.

5. Tanni Grey-Thompson

One of Paralympic sport’s most iconic figures. Won 11 Paralympic gold medals, and six World Championship golds. Third in 2000.

6. Kenny Dalglish

A winner of three European Cups, six English and four Scottish league titles, Scotland’s all-time record cap-holder and record goalscorer. Third in 1986.

7. George Best

The best footballer ever to play for Northern Ireland, and arguably the finest British player. European Cup and Ballon d’Or winner in 1968. Runner-up 1971.

8. Martin Johnson

A giant of a man and one of the finest locks ever to play Rugby Union. Captained England to their only World Cup and twice captained the Lions. Runner-up 2003.

9. Matthew Pinsent

The winner of four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the coxless fours from 1992 to 2004 and 10 World Championship golds. Runner-up 2004.

10. Mo Farah

Two Olympic Gold medals at London 2012, three World Championships, five European Championships and even his own signature pose. Third in 2011.

Who would make your list? Let us know in the comments below…

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All pictures courtesy of Getty