British athletics has emerged as a dominant force in 2026, presenting a challenge to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) panel in selecting a shortlist that traditionally seeks diversity across sports. Four standout athletes—Josh Kerr, Amy Hunt, Keely Hodgkinson, and Georgia Hunter Bell—have delivered exceptional performances this season, making a compelling case for inclusion.
Josh Kerr, the 28-year-old Scottish middle-distance runner, capped his season with a third major title at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest, where he also broke a 27-year-old world mile record. His achievement at London Stadium in July, completing the mile in just over 222 seconds, marked a notable moment in British athletics history. Kerr, who won the 1,500m world title in 2023 yet was excluded from that year’s SPOTY shortlist, has expressed a strong desire to be recognized this time. He acknowledged the competitiveness of the award, noting the importance it holds for him and younger athletes who look up to him.
Amy Hunt, though not as triumphant at the recent Ultimate Championship, gained significant national attention in August by winning four gold medals at the European Championships. The 24-year-old sprinter also garnered praise for her candid post-race interviews, highlighting the balance between elite sports and academic pursuits among teammates, such as Success Eduan, who is studying midwifery. Hunt remains the bookmakers’ favorite for the SPOTY award, ahead of Kerr and other notable contenders across sports, including golfer Rory McIlroy, footballers Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, skeleton racer Matt Weston, and prodigious snooker player Luke Littler.
Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m champion and 2024 SPOTY winner, endured a challenging outdoor season after a training fall but still secured a world indoor title and broke a 24-year-old indoor world record. Despite setbacks, she remains a key figure in British middle-distance running.
Georgia Hunter Bell, at 32, also enjoyed a stellar year with a world indoor title over 1,500m and additional golds at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, complemented by a silver medal at the Ultimate Championship.
Kerr’s outspoken nature has drawn mixed reactions, including a recent comment questioning whether athletes should prioritize the kit of commercial sponsors over their national colors, as well as debate around his decision to skip the European Championships. However, his sporting prowess and strategic approach to his season have earned him respect, including from rivals like Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Looking ahead, Kerr is targeting gold in the 1,500m at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with ambitions to break the longstanding 1,500m world record next year, possibly in London. Meanwhile, Hunt aims to capitalize on her rapid progression and is working towards breaking the 22-second barrier in the 200m, which would position her for greater success on the global stage.
As the SPOTY shortlist takes shape, the depth of British talent in track and field this year underscores the significant impact these athletes have had both on and off the track. Each is keen to contribute to the sport’s legacy and inspire future generations.