It’s yet to be decided when the BBC will hold its annual Sports Personality of the Year – with a problematic clash with the Football World Cup Final when it would traditionally take place on Sunday, December 18.
While we wait to see if it will be delayed to take into account the huge sporting event in Qatar – including any potential home countries success with Wales and England both competing – discussion is already well underway on who deserves to win the iconic trophy.
Previous winners have included the likes of Andy Murray, Chris Hoy, Lewis Hamilton, Linford Christie, Ian Botham and Steve Davis – with tennis player Emma Raducanu winning the 2021 event.
Here are the 10 sporting stars that the bookies think have the best chance of triumphing this year.
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. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Emma Raducanu of Great Britain reacts against Alize Cornet of France in their Women's Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Emma Raducanu won the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2021 after triumphing in the US Open Tennis Championship. Who will succeed her in 2022? Photo: Julian Finney
1. Beth Mead
England footballer Beth Mead is a hot 4/9 favourite to take the SPOTY title after helping to win the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 title, beating Germany in the final and landing the Top Goalscorer and Player of the Tournament awards into the bargain. Photo: Naomi Baker
2. Harry Kane
England football captain Harry Kane is 10/1 to take the Sports Personality of the Year trophy in 2022 - odds that are likely to tumble if England make good progress in this year's World Cup. Photo: Warren Little
3. Leah Williamson
Another member of the all-conquering Lionesses England football team is third favourite. Team captain Leah Williamson is 14/1 to add the SPOTY title. Photo: Jan Kruger
4. Ronnie O'Sullivan
Snooker's Ronnie O'Sullivan is also 14/1 to take the BBC title in 2022, after becoming World Champion for the seventh time - equalling Stephen Hendry's long-held record. Photo: Lewis Storey