Darren Clarke-BBC Sports Personality of the Year?

[rubcale]

There seems to be a groundswell of opinion for Darren Clarke to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. What does anyone think of this?

Personally, I think this would be a travesty. While I have every sympathy for Darren's personal circumstances the old cliche "two wrongs don't make a right" would seem to be most apt.

[Paul]

I agree, Darren Clarke does not deserve it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he hasn't won an individual tournament this year, has he?

The fact remains that it has been slim pickings for British sport this year. Equally I don't think Zara Phillips deserves it because where are all the other minority sports? She has only received attention for being a Royal. Where are the likes of Beth Tweddle and Lewis Hamilton (he's probably only eligible for Young Sport's Personality, but should definitely win it)?

Andy Murray is probably the most worthy IMO.

[Robin]

Anyone but Andy Murray, the guy hardly show good sportmanship, he's a dick!

[Hupin]

can't think of who i would like to see it go to. no one's shone through as a real contender that i've noticed.

[chartsfanatic]

You don't have to have won anything to be voted personality of the year. As the title suggests.

It was his personality at the Ryder cup that, that made it so memorible. Yes I understand you shouldn't use sentement in this, but it did add to the drama.

I for one would love him to win, but then I'm a golf nut.

[Admin]

Why dont 2 wrongs make a right? I know his wife had cancer...

[Razzle Dazzle]

cant give an award to everyone whos loved ones has cancer tho

[Zodiac]

Clarke does look to be a rather sentimental pick, but then again, he's got precious little competition. If you look to the big three - football, cricket, rugby - absolutely no one has excelled. There's no one from any of the other populist sports either. I know Zara Phillips name has been mooted but as I don't have the first clue about show jumping I've got no idea whether she would be a worthy winner or not.

[Maximo Mark]

There was talk of it being David Walliams but that'll have been long forgotten by the time votings due I suppose...

[Panda]

Darren Clarke would be deserving of the award. To perform like he did, given recent events, in the sport's most prestigious team competition was amazing.

Zara Phillips is worthy of consideration having won a world title, which is more than her mother did when she won the award back in the 70s. However, times have changed since then and her royal status is more likely to count against her in the poll.

Monty Panesar headed the running briefly but the performances of Clarke and Phillips have overshadowed him a bit.

David Walliams was second favourite when he completed his cross-channel swim but that was before the performances of the three I mentioned above.

Andy Murray doesn't deserve to win it this year. He's really got to do something in the Grand Slams. He's achieved less than Tim Henman and he's never won it. Greg Rusedski did win it in 1997 after reaching the US Open final.

If the award was based purely on the single outstanding performance of the year, it should go to Joe Calzaghe for the way he destroyed Jeff Lacy earlier this year. It was easily the best performance by a British boxer in recent years, if not ever.

Latest odds:
4/11 Darren Clarke
7/2 Zara Phillips
16/1 Andy Murray
22/1 Monty Panesar
25/1 Joe Calzaghe
50/1 David Walliams

Any thoughts on the overseas, team and coach awards?

I really can't see past Roger Federer for the overseas award...

[Maximo Mark]

If, by what would probably be a miracle, Schumacher wins the championship then he'll win it!

[Panda]

mark said:

If, by what would probably be a miracle, Schumacher wins the championship then he'll win it!

They might give him a lifetime achievement award...

[Panda]

Beth Tweddle won Britain's first ever gold medal at the World Gymnastics Championship yesterday, which could see her emerge as a late contender.

[Kristofferson67]

Big Daddy?