Coronavirus crisis set to shape the 2020 sporting year

The 2020 sporting year looks set to unfold like no other in the last seven decades.

We are just a few days into a mass wipeout of fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic and with huge events such as Euro 2020 and the Olympics under threat, the big question is which stars will even be able to perform, rather than what they will achieve.

Several bookmakers have already decided to take down their prices for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award due to the uncertainty and a number of the sports stars previously thought to be frontrunners could be denied their chance to shine by the unprecedented circumstances.

Here's a rundown of the leading contenders and how their campaigns could be affected.

Tyson Fury 6-4

What have they achieved already?

The pre-coronavirus market leader for the award already has a major success in the bag after his superb victory over Deontay Wilder to take the WBC world heavyweight title in February.

When were they expected to impress?

Fury was expected to take on Wilder for a third time in the summer, with a huge clash against Anthony Joshua also potentially happening in 2020.

How could their chances be affected?

Fury is never far from controversy and this weekend his name was in the news again. He's got some strong form in the book, though, even if he is prevented from adding to his 2020 successes.

Lewis Hamilton 12-1

What have they achieved already?

With Sunday's first race of the season in Australia cancelled, Hamilton has yet to turn a wheel in competition this season.

When were they expected to impress?

The British star was the 4-7 favourite to win the world drivers title when betting was suspended after impressing in testing with an innovative new steering gimmick on his Mercedes. Winning again this year would see him equal Michael Schumacher's record of seven championships.

How could their chances be affected?

The first four races of the season have already been cancelled and some suggest that at least seven of the original 21 events could be lost, with the first race not happening until June at the earliest. However long the season is, Hamilton should have a great chance of the title – but there needs to be a championship for him to win it.

Dina Asher-Smith 12-1

What have they achieved already?

Asher-Smith signed off her 2019 campaign in strong style with the world 200m title in November but has yet to stand on top of a podium this year.

When were they expected to impress?

The Tokyo Olympics. She is 9-4 second favourite to Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the 200m and a 4-1 shot in the 100m.

How could their chances be affected?

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has insisted that the Tokyo Olympics can go ahead, but that seems unrealistic. Paddy Power go 1-5 that the Games do not start in Tokyo on July 24 as planned. With no Olympics, it would be hard to see Asher-Smith making a strong case.

Laura Kenny 16-1

What have they achieved already?

The golden girl of cycling has been in the wars this season, suffering a broken shoulder in a World Cup crash in January and sustaining an eye injury in a pile-up at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

When were they expected to impress?

It's all about the Olympics and repeating her twin-gold successes at the 2012 and 2016 Games – what basketball fans might call a triple double – would give her a strong case.

How could their chances be affected?

No Olympics, no SPOTY has to be the outlook.

Jordan Henderson 16-1

What have they achieved already?

Henderson has captained Liverpool throughout their amazing Premier League campaign and also helped them win the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.

When were they expected to impress?

Much of the good work had already been done. The Reds could have been celebrating the league title at Goodison Park on Monday night. Henderson could also play a part for England at Euro 2020.

How could their chances be affected?

The Liverpool skipper's price was based around recognition of their impressive Premier League title success but if the season is not completed, they may not even be declared champions.

Adam Peaty 20-1

What have they achieved already?

The star swimmer is the world 100m breaststroke champion and world-record holder but his 2020 targets are all in the future.

When were they expected to impress?

The Olympics. A repeat of his 2016 gold with another world record would put him in the mix.

How could their chances be affected?

Without the Olympics, it's hard to see the sprinting star making a strong enough case, although he is as short as 7-1 for the BBC award in places.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson 25-1

What have they achieved already?

The 2019 world heptathlon champion has all her key engagements ahead of her this season.

When were they expected to impress?

The Tokyo Olympics. She would have a strong chance if she can emulate former heptathlon heroines Denise Lewis and Jessica Ennis-Hill.

How could their chances be affected?

The effervescent Scouser's SPOTY hopes have to hinge on her winning a gold medal.

Chris Froome 33-1

What have they achieved already?

Froome made a welcome but quiet return at the coronavirus-shortened UAE Tour.

When were they expected to impress?

The Tour de France. Froome suffered serious injuries in a Criterium du Dauphine crash last season. He is 9-1 fifth favourite but as short as 4-1 for a fifth success in Le Tour.

How could their chances be affected?

If there's no yellow jersey to claim, there is unlikely to be a BBC award for Froome, unless there's a 'comeback of the year' prize.

Harry Kane 33-1

What have they achieved already?

A tally of 27 goals in 31 appearances for Tottenham is not too shabby, but Kane's club season has been curtailed by a hamstring injury.

When were they expected to impress?

The England captain's SPOTY hopes depend on him leading them to success, or even a gallant failure, at Euro 2020.

How could their chances be affected?

The tournament, due to be played across the continent, is in serious doubt and could be postponed until 2021. While that might make it more likely that the Three Lions can go into battle with a fully-fit skipper, it would scupper his SPOTY hopes this year.

Rory McIlroy 33-1

What have they achieved already?

McIlroy has opened the 2020 season in decent shape but the big events are all still to come.

When were they expected to impress?

The Majors and the Ryder Cup. McIlroy is the current favourite for the US Open, PGA Championship and the Open.

How could their chances be affected?

Every Major that is cancelled – the Masters is currently postponed until "some later date" – would hamper his chances, but the wild card is the Ryder Cup in a late September slot. If that goes ahead and most of the summer schedule is wiped out, then McIlroy – or anyone else who plays a key role, could be a frontrunner for the award.

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