By Carol M. Creasey
This year not only did Lewis Hamilton win the world championship in Formula One for the seventh time, and equal Michael Schumacher’s long standing record, he did it in style with 3 races to spare. This was his 94th win and two weeks later, just to cement his claim, he won his 95th race in Bahrain.
After testing positive for COVID-19, Lewis was in isolation for 10 days, trying to heal himself. He was able to return in time for the last race in Abu Dhabi, and bravely fought through the race, to finish the season with a third place on the podium.
In the past Lewis has been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award nine times, he has already won in 2014 and has been a runner up 4 times since, including last year. This year the Award Ceremony had to be held virtually because of COVID restrictions.
The other 5 nominees were:
- Stuart Broad, the cricketer, who took 16 wickets in the final two tests against the West Indies.
- Hollie Doyle, horse racing, who broke her own record for winners ridden by a woman in a year, and she was also the first woman to ride 5 winners at one meeting.
- Tyson Fury, boxer, who became world champion for the second time by defeating Deontay Wilder.
- Jordan Henderson, footballer, who captained Liverpool FC to their first league title since 1990.
- Ronnie O’Sullivan, snooker player, won his sixth world title and became the oldest player to win a world title since Roy Reardon in 1978.
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Captain Sir Tom Moore, himself recently knighted, received the Helen Rollason award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity, and Marcus Rashford was given a special award for his efforts to get free school dinners for poor children, which came to fruition when he persuaded Boris Johnson and the government to do a U-turn.
Lewis appeared at the Award Ceremony virtually, standing next to a Christmas tree. He explained that his passion for racing has spurred him on since the age of 5. Signs of his recent illness now gone, he looked very strong and healthy as he stated that he needs to get back into training to raise the bar, and be even better next year. He was also quick to praise his team, saying he could not have achieved what he has without them.
Lewis also spoke about how he is trying to raise awareness of the lack of diversity in Formula One. As currently the only black driver in Formula One, he hopes that in the future there will be more drivers and engineers who will get the opportunity to follow their dream, regardless of their race, religion or financial status, just as he has.
After the voting had closed, the final 3 were announced. In third place was Holly Doyle, second was Jordan Henderson, and in first place our British hero, Lewis Hamilton. I am so very proud of everything he has achieved, and the pleasure and hope he has given to so many this year is so uplifting, especially in light of the way COVID-19 has ravaged so many lives.
Congratulations Lewis, simply the best!
Be sure to follow Carol on Twitter @eagertogo and visit her website www.carolmcreasey.com!
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