Sports Personality of the Year 2017: Who are the 12 contenders to win the award?

THE BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards take place tonight - here are the 12 athletes nominated for the prize.

By Ollie Salt / Published 17th December 2017

WHO will be crowned the top sports star of 2017?

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Elise Christie (Speed Skating)

“Boxing, F1, football and athletics are a few of the sports represented in tonight's awards”

The event takes place in Liverpool tonight, with a host of awards on the line.

As well as the main prize, honours such as Overseas Sports Personality, Team of the Year and Young Sports Personality will also be handed out.

Famous figures from boxing, F1, athletics, cricket and football are in the running for the top award.

Speed skating, swimming, motorcycling and taekwondo are the slightly niche sports represented.

Votes can be cast by phone or online tonight - the number to call for each nominee will be revealed during the programme.

CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE THE 12 CONTENDERS FOR THE 2017 SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD.