WHO do you think should win the Gazette Sports Personality of the Year Award 2014?
Today we reveal the 12 sporting stars in the frame for one of north Hampshire’s biggest sporting awards – and we want you to play your part in the judging process.
The winner will be picked from the shortlist by a judging panel, but you can have your say by visiting basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport and putting the case for your favourite in the comment box for the article. Alternatively, use #GazetteSPOTY on Twitter.
The final result will be announced at the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards 2014, which will be held at the Apollo Hotel, in Basingstoke, on Friday, February 27.
The judges will make their final decision on February 9, so you need to have your say by then to strengthen the case for your choice.
There is plenty of competition, from a wide range of local stars, and the shortlisted sportspeople, in alphabetical order, are:
Lindsey Andrews
Karate ace Andrews became a global champion for the second time in December, winning the Women’s Veteran’s Open Style Kata at the World Championships in Brazil.
Andrews, who coaches at Basingstoke’s Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, also helped the British team to a bronze medal.
Emma Croker
Super-mum Croker was part of the England rugby team that won the World Cup, beating Canada 21-9 in Paris to lift the trophy.
The hooker, who plays her club rugby for Richmond, also attended the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event, with the squad picking up the Team of the Year award.
Odiham hockey star Danson helped England to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
England were seconds away from winning gold in Glasgow, but Australia scored a late leveller and claimed the title by winning a penalty shoot-out.
Connor Gorsuch
Whitchurch teenager Gorsuch did the double at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation World Championship in Wales.
In addition to winning the junior .410 clay pigeon shooting title, Gorsuch also picked up the senior prize after managing a near-perfect score.
The Overton triathlete enjoyed the best season of his career, qualifying for the Commonwealth Games by finishing in the top-10 at two world series events.
He finished sixth in Glasgow, less than two minutes behind gold medal winner Alistair Brownlee and only 10 seconds behind the fourth-placed athlete.
Ice skater Harrison won the British Junior Ladies title in December, capping off another outstanding year.
The teenager travelled to Sarajevo with Torvill and Dean earlier in 2014 and has achieved the qualifying score for the 2015 world championship.
Powerlifter Maton enjoyed another fantastic year in 2014.
After winning four gold medals at the European Championships, Maton went on to repeat the feat at the world championships in the Czech Republic, winning another four global titles.
Central defender Ray has been a mainstay of the Basingstoke Town team over the past year.
His excellent form at the heart of the defence has been one of the reasons behind the Dragons’ excellent form so far this season, with Jason Bristow’s men looking set to push for promotion in 2015.
Basingstoke-born defenceman Reynolds was a key player as the Basingstoke Bison won both the EPL Cup and EPL Play-offs last season.
One of the top British defenders in the league, he is a solid performer in every game.
Sprinter Richardson looks to have a bright future in athletics after winning the English Schools 400m title.
The 15-year-old Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club runner won silver at the indoor national championships before going one better at the schools event.
He went on to represent England and finish second at the national championships, ending the season ranked number one in Britain for the under-17 age-group.
Golfing ace Rose, who won the 2013 award, was in good form again last year.
The Hook man won the Quicken Loans National in America and also the Scottish Open, before helping Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup, winning four points from five matches.
Netminder Skinns, who grew up in Brighton Hill, was another key part of the Basingstoke Bison’s success.
He played all of the games as the Herd finished second in the EPL and was in inspired form as his side did the double at the end of the season.
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