Jonathan Rea nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Jonathan Rea has been named on the shortlist for the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The history-making triple World Superbike champion became the first rider ever to secure three consecutive world titles and set a new record for most points scored in a single season in 2017.

After being awarded an MBE for services to motorcycle sport this year, the Kawasaki Racing Team rider has been given his maiden nod on the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.

Rea becomes the first British motorcycle racer to receive a nomination for the award since James Toseland in 2007 who came fourth with boxer Ricky Hatton voted the winner.

The full shortlist was announced during Monday evening’s BBC One Show and has been nominated alongside fellow motorsports star Lewis Hamilton for winning the 2017 Formula 1 World Championship.

Rea’s omission from the 2016 shortlist was hit by a public backlash and this year an online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures demanding the Northern Irish rider be included this year.

The 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony will be held in Liverpool on the 17^th December and broadcast live on BBC One.

Rea has also been nominated for the Royal Automobile Club’s Torrens Trophy for 2017 alongside Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland and MCE British Superbike championship runner-up Leon Haslam.

Full 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year nomination list:

Elise Christie (Speed skating)

Mo Farah (Athletics)

Chris Froome (Cycling)

Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)

Anthony Joshua (Boxing)

Harry Kane (Football)

Johanna Konta (Tennis)

Jonnie Peacock (Para-athletics)

Adam Peaty (Swimming)

Jonathan Rea (Motorcycling)

Anya Shrubsole (Cricket)

Bianca Walkden (Taekwondo)