Latest news with #SPOTY
Scotsman
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC SPOTY 2025 Odds Latest: Here are the 13 favourites for Sports Personality of the Year - as Lionesses dominate list
1 . Rory McIlroy - 11/10 Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy made history in the most dramatic of fashions when he win the Masters in a playoff with Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose. In doing so he became only the sixth player to complete the grand slam of the four major titles in golf - and the first European to achieve the feat. He's a hot 11/10 favourite to also win the SPOTY award, but has drifted out since his Green Jacket win. | Getty Images
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC Sports Personality odds: who is favourite to win?
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award will be handed out at the end of 2025 - but a frontrunner has emerged 👀 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Frontrunner for BBC's Sports Personality award has been named. List includes darts favourite, golf star and F1 driver. But who is being backed to lift the end of year prize? The sunshine might have pulled another disappearing act but we are still in the heart of summer. Unbelievable as it might be but we are well past the midway point of the year and it will be 2026 before you know it. It has been quite the dramatic first half of 2025 in the sporting world - from Liverpool securing a 20th league title to the two Lukes crashing out of the darts World Cup. The Lionesses have taken us on one mighty rollercoaster during the 2025 Women's Euros this summer - and the men's U21s have also lifted the title in their own version of the competition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A British driver remains in the hunt for the Formula One world title - but will Lando Norris be able to surpass his teammate and rival Oscar Piastri? It would be one hell of a story. In a little less than five months time, the BBC will gather to celebrate the best sporting achievements of the year - and hand out the much coveted SPOTY award. But who is in the running right now? Who are the early favourites for the 2025 Sports Personality? The presenters of this BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 | BBC/Paul Cooper Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson lifted the trophy last December following her incredible performance at the 2024 games in Paris. Sidenote: what an incredible few weeks that was, wish I could jump back and experience those highs once again. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The BBC will once again crown a winner at the end of the year - and attention has started to turn towards who are the runners and riders for 2025. has issued its odds, with one name jumping out as a clear favourite at this point. Rory McIlroy - 4/6 Lando Norris - 13/2 Luke Littler - 8/1 Ellie Kildunne - 28/1 Jack Draper - 40/1 Lauren Price - 40/1 Leah Williamson - 45/1 We obviously still have a long way to go in 2025 and the final of the Women's Euros on Sunday (July 27) could dramatically shake-up the odds. If the Lionesses manage to lift the trophy once again, someone like Leah Williamson could really jump up the list - for example. Beth Mead was named SPOTY in 2022, following England's triumph at the Euros that summer. Her international teammate Mary Earps won it the following year - for her role in the Lionesses' run to the World Cup final, so there is precedent. Ellie Kildunne is one to keep your eyes on as she is one of the star players for the Red Roses - England Women's rugby team. The team will be playing in the World Cup, on home soil none-the-less, starting in late August and triumph in the tournament could see her odds tumble. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Equally, if Lando Norris manages to surpass Piastri and secure the F1 World Drivers' Championship he could easily become one of the frontrunners. Drive to Survive remains a very popular show on Netflix and he is a known name. But if the award was to go the way of the current odds and Rory McIlroy capped off the year in which he finally won The Masters with a SPOTY award - it would be the first time since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 that a male athlete has lifted the trophy. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC Sports Personality odds: who is favourite to win?
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award will be handed out at the end of 2025 - but a frontrunner has emerged 👀 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Frontrunner for BBC's Sports Personality award has been named. List includes darts favourite, golf star and F1 driver. But who is being backed to lift the end of year prize? The sunshine might have pulled another disappearing act but we are still in the heart of summer. Unbelievable as it might be but we are well past the midway point of the year and it will be 2026 before you know it. It has been quite the dramatic first half of 2025 in the sporting world - from Liverpool securing a 20th league title to the two Lukes crashing out of the darts World Cup. The Lionesses have taken us on one mighty rollercoaster during the 2025 Women's Euros this summer - and the men's U21s have also lifted the title in their own version of the competition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A British driver remains in the hunt for the Formula One world title - but will Lando Norris be able to surpass his teammate and rival Oscar Piastri? It would be one hell of a story. In a little less than five months time, the BBC will gather to celebrate the best sporting achievements of the year - and hand out the much coveted SPOTY award. But who is in the running right now? Who are the early favourites for the 2025 Sports Personality? The presenters of this BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 | BBC/Paul Cooper Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson lifted the trophy last December following her incredible performance at the 2024 games in Paris. Sidenote: what an incredible few weeks that was, wish I could jump back and experience those highs once again. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The BBC will once again crown a winner at the end of the year - and attention has started to turn towards who are the runners and riders for 2025. has issued its odds, with one name jumping out as a clear favourite at this point. Rory McIlroy - 4/6 Lando Norris - 13/2 Luke Littler - 8/1 Ellie Kildunne - 28/1 Jack Draper - 40/1 Lauren Price - 40/1 Leah Williamson - 45/1 We obviously still have a long way to go in 2025 and the final of the Women's Euros on Sunday (July 27) could dramatically shake-up the odds. If the Lionesses manage to lift the trophy once again, someone like Leah Williamson could really jump up the list - for example. Beth Mead was named SPOTY in 2022, following England's triumph at the Euros that summer. Her international teammate Mary Earps won it the following year - for her role in the Lionesses' run to the World Cup final, so there is precedent. Ellie Kildunne is one to keep your eyes on as she is one of the star players for the Red Roses - England Women's rugby team. The team will be playing in the World Cup, on home soil none-the-less, starting in late August and triumph in the tournament could see her odds tumble. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Equally, if Lando Norris manages to surpass Piastri and secure the F1 World Drivers' Championship he could easily become one of the frontrunners. Drive to Survive remains a very popular show on Netflix and he is a known name. But if the award was to go the way of the current odds and Rory McIlroy capped off the year in which he finally won The Masters with a SPOTY award - it would be the first time since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 that a male athlete has lifted the trophy.
The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Grand National legend and ‘amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92
A GRAND NATIONAL legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award has died at her home aged 92. Tributes have poured in for Valda Embiricos, who co-owned 1981 Aintree hero Aldaniti with her late husband Nick. Advertisement 2 Valda Embiricos, right, died at home aged 92 after a remarkable life in racing which included winning the world's most famous race 2 Aldaniti and Bob Champion's 1981 Grand National victory was one of the best sporting stories of the century Credit: PA:Press Association Aldaniti and jockey Bob Champion completed 'one of the greatest sporting stories' ever 44 years ago when they won the world's most famous race. Champion had beaten cancer and Aldaniti had miraculously recovered from a leg injury so severe vets thought he would never run again. Their unforgettable win at odds of 10-1 was turned into a film starring John Hurt. And Champion and Aldaniti even won the BBC Team of the Year award at the 1981 SPOTY bash. Advertisement Nick died in 2018 aged 81 and Champion remembered them both as 'just the most lovely owners who were a lot of fun too'. The Her daughter Alex, a former trainer and jockey, told the Post: "Mum was invincible, strong, fearsome, kind, patient, fair, stubborn, a fighter. "Her will to live and to give was relentless to the very end. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing "If mum was an elephant she would be the matriarch of all matriarchs. "She had a long, incredible and amazing life. "I beg that I can try to fill those bottomless boots but I fear an espadrille is all I will manage." Valda maintained a love of racing throughout her life and still had runners this year. Advertisement The Good Doctor, running under The Aldaniti Partnership banner, is trained by Ben Pauling and they had a win together at Fontwell as recently as 18 months ago. The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler said: "Valda has been an incredibly special person to myself and my wife Sophie. "She lived a wonderful life and was an incredibly courageous lady." While a message from the racecourse posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Valda Embiricos at the age of 92. Advertisement "A remarkable woman whose support and passion for jump racing left an enduring legacy at Fontwell Park and beyond." Punters were quick to pay tribute as well. One wrote on X: "Very sad… but what a life!" Read more on the Irish Sun While another commented: "Very sad news." Advertisement Valda leaves daughter Alex, sons Alastair and Euan, stepson Nick and four grandchildren.
Scottish Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Grand National legend and ‘amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92
She leaves an untouchable legacy in the sport REST IN PEACE Grand National legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award dies at home aged 92 A GRAND NATIONAL legend and 'amazing woman' whose fairytale horse won a BBC SPOTY award has died at her home aged 92. Tributes have poured in for Valda Embiricos, who co-owned 1981 Aintree hero Aldaniti with her late husband Nick. 2 Valda Embiricos, right, died at home aged 92 after a remarkable life in racing which included winning the world's most famous race 2 Aldaniti and Bob Champion's 1981 Grand National victory was one of the best sporting stories of the century Credit: PA:Press Association Aldaniti and jockey Bob Champion completed 'one of the greatest sporting stories' ever 44 years ago when they won the world's most famous race. Champion had beaten cancer and Aldaniti had miraculously recovered from a leg injury so severe vets thought he would never run again. Their unforgettable win at odds of 10-1 was turned into a film starring John Hurt. And Champion and Aldaniti even won the BBC Team of the Year award at the 1981 SPOTY bash. Nick died in 2018 aged 81 and Champion remembered them both as 'just the most lovely owners who were a lot of fun too'. The Racing Post reported Valda's passing, which came at her home Barkfold Manor Stud in West Sussex last Wednesday. Her daughter Alex, a former trainer and jockey, told the Post: "Mum was invincible, strong, fearsome, kind, patient, fair, stubborn, a fighter. "Her will to live and to give was relentless to the very end. "If mum was an elephant she would be the matriarch of all matriarchs. "She had a long, incredible and amazing life. "I beg that I can try to fill those bottomless boots but I fear an espadrille is all I will manage." Valda maintained a love of racing throughout her life and still had runners this year. The Good Doctor, running under The Aldaniti Partnership banner, is trained by Ben Pauling and they had a win together at Fontwell as recently as 18 months ago. The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler said: "Valda has been an incredibly special person to myself and my wife Sophie. "She lived a wonderful life and was an incredibly courageous lady." While a message from the racecourse posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Valda Embiricos at the age of 92. "A remarkable woman whose support and passion for jump racing left an enduring legacy at Fontwell Park and beyond." Punters were quick to pay tribute as well. One wrote on X: "Very sad… but what a life!" While another commented: "Very sad news." Valda leaves daughter Alex, sons Alastair and Euan, stepson Nick and four grandchildren.
