Voting has closed for SJA members to decide the winners of three major categories at the SJA British Sports Awards 2024; winners will be announced live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday 20 November; Stuart Broad, Mary Earps and Manchester City’s men’s team claimed the 2023 honours; who will take the top prizes this year?
By Ben Rowley
Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock has cemented his status as a cycling legend, having added another Olympic Gold to his collection.
Armed with flair, awareness and adrenaline, the dogged Yorkshireman continues to dominate the cycling landscape.
In the 2024 Olympics, Pidcock became only the second man to win back-to-back gold medals in mountain biking.
He’s the first to defend his title since 2008, having claimed his first in Tokyo.
In Paris, the 25-year-old broke French hearts, edging out Victor Koretzky for gold despite a mid-race puncture on lap four that left him 39 seconds behind.
His resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure make him stand out as a top contender for Sportsman of the Year.
Just two weeks before the Olympics, Pidcock contracted Covid-19, forcing him to abandon the Tour de France.
Most athletes would be shaken by such a setback but Pidcock showed no signs of faltering.
With minimal preparation, Pidcock delivered one of the most thrilling races in Olympic history.
The drama unfolded in the final stages of the mountain bike cross-country final, where Pidcock outmanoeuvred Koretzky with 400 metres to go.
Showing great composure, he made an audacious move down the inside while Koretzky opted for the outside.
The Brit’s tactical nous caused the Frenchman to unclip from his pedal to avoid a collision, and Pidcock seized the moment, racing away to bring home gold for Team GB.
Mountain biking demands tactical brilliance, sharp reflexes and the ability to cope with unpredictable terrain.
Pidcock used everything in his locker to navigate the perfect balance of risk and reward, serving him well as he clawed back a huge deficit over the rough and gravel-filled track of Elancourt Hill.
But it’s not just his Olympic achievements that make him a standout sportsman.
Pidcock’s versatility as a cyclist is unmatched, with titles across cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and road racing – a rare feat that underscores his adaptability.
His quick response to obstacles, seamlessness between formats, and consistent domination make him the ultimate all-rounder.
The Brit doesn’t just compete but he rules the roost, carving his name into every track he tears apart.
The 25-year-old’s grit, determination, and composure under pressure embody the essence of British sport.
Pidcock’s knack for overcoming challenges, delivering on the biggest stages and raising the bar for future generations is precisely why he deserves to be crowned Sportsman of the year.
Sports journalist Conor McLarnon is a member of the SJA Academy – find out more about membership here.
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