BBC bosses are deciding whether to hand Marcus Rashford The Special Achievement Award at this year’s Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
The Manchester United forward has inspired a nation as he tackles the Government’s controversial stance on child poverty.
After forcing the Conservatives into a dramatic U-turn on free school meals earlier this year, a motion was put forward to extend the offer through the upcoming holidays.
That was voted down in Parliament, causing outrage across the nation, with more than a million people signing his petition to end child hunger.
There has been a growing clamour for Rashford to be handed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, for his remarkable efforts throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Lewis Hamilton is the current favourite to win the award, after his record-breaking 92 Grand Prix victory last week. That saw him eclipse Michael Schumacher in individual races, as he gets closer to joining the legendary German on seven overall Drivers’ Championships.
It has been suggested that the BBC are unlikely to name his as a contender for the main award, but recognise that he should be celebrated in some capacity.
A source told the Sun: “It’s very early days yet in the process, but the organisers have discussed how they can recognise Marcus’s outstanding campaigning efforts this year.
“It’s tricky, as the bookies’ favourite is currently Lewis Hamilton, but it would be odd to not recognise the striker in some way.”
The Special Achievement Award has only been handed out on five occasions previously, jockey Lester Piggott, marathon runner Dennis Moore, comedians David Walliams and Eddie Izzard and Sebastian Coe, for his part in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London.
The Sun suggest that by honouring the England striker for his work off the pitch, it would enable the main award to go to someone for their sporting accomplishments.
Should Marcus Rashford win the Sports Personality of the Year? Have your say here
Rashford did earn headlines for his performances on the pitch earlier this week, coming off the bench to net a stunning Champions League hat-trick.
The 22-year-old is the leading scorer in Europe’s top competition and has seven goals in just nine appearances in all competitions this season.
Following his goals against RB Leipzig, Rashford took to social media, posting: “3 goals. 16 minutes. 1,030,000 signatures. Can’t stop smiling, I’ve waited a long time for that. Just wish the fans were in to experience it with me”.
