J.P.Morgan BAR skipper Ben Ainslie has been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The shortlist of 12 athletes will come together for the awards ceremony in London on December 16th, where the winner will be decided by a public vote on the night.

The other nominees include Cyclists Bradley Wiggins and Sir Chris Hoy, tennis star Andy Murray, and athletes Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah. Rower Katherine Grainger, golfer Rory McIlroy, boxer Nicola Adams and Paralympians Sarah Storey, Ellie Simmonds and David Weir.

“My nomination for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy is recognition not only for the sport of sailing but also for my family, my friends and my coaches. I am under no illusions that I stand a chance of winning in a truly incredible year for sport, I believe Bradley Wiggins should receive that honour, just shading Andy Murray who will surely have further chances in the future ­ but I am hugely proud to have been shortlisted nonetheless. I am sure it is going to be an emotional evening and a fantastic way to round up an amazing year in British sport.”