BBC Sports Personality of the Year: the shortlist in pictures

Mark Cavendish had a superb year in the world of cycling, winning the green jersey in the Tour de France and becoming world champion on the road. Odds to win: 11-10 Photograph: Peter Dejong/AP

Darren Clarke won his first ever major, the Open at Royal St George's. Odds to win: 15-8 Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Mo Farah won silver in the 10,000m and gold in the 5,000m at the World Athletics Championships. Odds to win: 9-1 Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Rory McIlroy destroyed the field as he completed an eight-stroke victory in the US Open. Odds to win: 9-1 Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images

Luke Donald's consistency has taken him to the top of golf's world rankings. Odds to win: 33-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Alastair Cook was a key figure in England's victory in the Ashes at the start of the year and has developed into on the of the world's best batsmen. Odds to win: 50-1 Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Amir Khan has progressed this year and is rated as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters. Odds to win: 100-1 Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Andrew Strauss captained England to the top of the world Test rankings. Odds to win: 100-1 Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Andy Murray reached the final of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the French Open. Odds to win: 100-1 Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images

Dai Greene won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at this year's World Athletics Championships. Odds to win: 100-1 Photograph: Nick Potts/PA