THE search is now on for the Basingstoke Gazette Sports Personality for 2016 to follow in the footsteps of powerlifter Beverley Rodgers.

The winner will be revealed at the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards, which will be held at the Apollo Hotel on Friday March 3.

Once again this year there is no short list to vote from, but listed below are a few names that you may consider – though the decision is entirely up to you as these names are only a guide.

The Olympics provided the area with two gold medallists and there seems no better place to start the shortlist with Justin Rose and Alex Danson.

Odiham hockey star Danson was winner of this award in 2012, and was Great Britain’s leading scorer in Rio.

Another previous winner is Rose and the former Robert May’s School scored a hole in one on his way to his gold medal.

You may want to vote for a Basingstoke Town player club captain David Ray, or two of their new young guns in Nana Owusu or Rob Atkinson.

Hartley Wintney enjoyed a great 2016 winning the league and once again are top of the table. Captain fantastic Sam Argent and Ross Cook grabbing the headlines with their goals.

Basingstoke Town Ladies secured promotion and captain Michelle Kimber led the team by example, midfielder Josette Pearmine collected the most assists and Charlie Powell was the manager’s player of the season.

Basingstoke RFC returned to winning ways with Simon Appleby leading the try scoring.

Farah Fonseca won the England’s Strongest Woman on her debut.

Daisy Coleman was the queen of the water being crowned Powerboat world champion.

The Bison won their first league crown in 23 years with another former winner in Kurt Reynolds a rock of their defence and leading the scoring were Ciaran Long and Tomas Karpov.

l To vote for your winner simply send an email with Gazette Sports Personality in subject and the person you have chosen, along with your address to sportsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or you can also send your vote in by post to the Sports Desk, Basingstoke Gazette, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke RG21 6XD, with the same details.

The closing dates for entries is Wednesday February 1, so don’t delay get that vote off today.