CorpComms Magazine

Is it a bird, is it a plane?

No it's certainly not a bird. But it is a tweet storm about the lack of ladies in the latest ten strong shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY).

Who has been up in arms?

So far triathlon world champion Chrissie Wellington who tweeted: 'No women in @bbcspoty top ten. Its not about me, it's about the need to celebrate achievements of so many female GBR athletes. Disgraceful.'

Rebecca Adlington also lamented the decision: 'Think there has been some great women in sport this year including my best friend @KeriannePayne and sad they haven't been recognised,' she tweeted. 'Hopefully next year can be all women nominations after London 2012!!!!'

Anyone else stuck their oar in?

No rowers as yet but BBC presenters Gabby Logan and Claire Balding were also unimpressed. 'I can't think of anything to say about there being NO women on #SPOTY top 10 list that is positive so I won't say anything,' tweeted Logan, adding the hashtag '#backward'.

How do women normally fare?

Ladies have amassed 12 and a half wins (if you include Jane Torvill) since 1954, averaging a feminine win every five years.

Who is to blame?

It depends who you ask. Some people have blamed the lack of high profile athletic events (where women often shine) while others have accused female athletes of being devoid of personality!

Shocking! Can that be true?

Doubtful. Besides, it's more about winning tournaments than charisma. Previous winners include former racing driver Nigel Mansell, famed for his relentless monotone. He won in 1986 and 1992, one of three people to have won the award twice.

Who decides the shortlist?

The shortlist for the awards is collated from nominations by the sports editors of newspapers and magazines. The mens magazines Nuts and Zoo have both come under fire for failing to nominate any female athletes, while the Manchester Evening News's nominations were criticised for favouring Manchester-based talent - such as Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and retired Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira.

So who are the lucky chaps?

The shortlist (in alphabetical order) is Mark Cavendish (cycling), Darren Clarke (golf), Alastair Cook (cricket), Luke Donald (golf), Mo Farah (athletics), Dai Greene (athletics), Amir Khan (boxing), Rory McIlroy (golf), Andy Murray (tennis) and Andrew Strauss (cricket).

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