What Sir Bobby Charlton and Lewis Hamilton can teach us

Believe it or not, I do have interests outside work. Later today it’s the 60th Sports Personality of the Year award and I’m keeping a keen eye on the proceedings.

Almost inevitably, Andy Murray is among the shortlisters. But with the likes of Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu and Ben Ainslie joining him, I’m not so sure he’s got it in the bag.

In my experience, rightly or wrongly, awards always throw up a few surprises.

Famous runners up

Take Sir Bobby Charlton, arguably the greatest midfielder ever to grace the pitch. Twice he took second place, but never won Sports Personality of the Year. That’s despite helping England to victory in the 1966 World Cup and winning the Ballon d’Or for European Footballer of the Year.

And Lewis Hamilton, the youngest ever Formula 1 world champion, narrowly missed out on claiming Sports Personality of the Year on more than one occasion. Unlike Sir Bobby, though, there’s time yet for Lewis. And I for one would like to see him take the title.

It’s tough at the top

Even right at the top of your game – especially at the top of your game – you’re duking it out with the best of the best. And there can only be one winner. I get that.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Lewis Hamilton are proof positive that even if you’re widely considered to be amongst the best, it doesn’t mean you should expect to win or even be placed. But with annual awards, you can come back next year and have another shot at it… And keep your fingers crossed that fair will out.

Did I mention I went to the equity release awards last week? I’m just saying!