The race to become the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year has just got tighter, with the announcement of an all-star shortlist.

This year's group includes a champion boxer, an inspiring Paralympian, one of tennis's rising stars, the king of the racetrack, a track and field legend, and more of the UK's most impressive athletes.

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(SPOTY nominee Chris Froome)

Below is the official shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017:

1. Elise Christie (Speed skating)

2. Mo Farah (Athletics)

3. Chris Froome (Cycling)

4. Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)

5. Anthony Joshua (Boxing)

6. Harry Kane (Football)

7. Johanna Konta (Tennis)

8. Jonnie Peacock (Para-athletics)

9. Adam Peaty (Swimming)

10. Jonathan Rea (Motorcycling)

11. Anya Shrubsole (Cricket)

12. Bianca Walkden (Taekwondo)

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Keep in mind that we're guaranteed to have a brand new winner this year because last year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year recipient Sir Andy Murray has not not made the shortlist.

It's bound to be a hotly contested competition, with Mo Farah coming off his highly-publicised retirement from track, and boxer Anthony Joshua having managed a huge victory over rival Wladimir Klitschko.

Jonnie Peacock has inspired para-athletes all over the world with his inspiring run on Strictly Come Dancing, while Johanna Konta reached British number one and world number four in the pro tennis rankings.

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The shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year was voted on by a panel of esteemed athletes, including rugby star Maggie Alphonsi, Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell and Paralympian Danny Crates.

Gary Lineker and Clare Balding are hosting BBC One's live coverage of the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Sunday, December 17 from Liverpool.

During the telecast, specific telephone numbers for each athlete will be announced so viewers at home can show support for their favourite contenders.

From: Digital Spy