Josh Kerr has expressed uncertainty about securing a place on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) shortlist, despite bookmakers listing him as the second-favourite to win. Kerr described 2026 as the “best year” of his career, highlighted by a 1500m victory at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship on Sunday night.
His season also saw him claim the 3000m indoor title, break the mile world record in London, and win the mile at his home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, fellow Briton Amy Hunt also had a historic year, becoming the first athlete to win four gold medals at a single European Championships.
Kerr acknowledged the strong competition, stating, “SPOTY is massively important. Everyone grew up watching it, it’s a massive award, and I would be truly honored to be on that shortlist against some of the best athletes of all time this year. I would love to go, but it’s not a given, that’s the reality.” Hunt, who also secured 100m Commonwealth silver, noted the significance of two track athletes potentially being honoured, saying it “shows how much athletics has been able to break through the cultural current this year.”