Rory McIlroy did not show up in any form at this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, despite being one of the six nominees.
England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps was the winner, with retired England cricketer Stuart Broad in second place, and heptathlete Katarina Mary Johnson-Thompson in third.
Nominees have made appearances in the past through video link, but McIlroy was a complete no-show, with his friend and Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood stepping in for a video chat.
Why Did Rory McIlroy Snub SPOTY ?
No reason for his absence has been given, but there was speculation that perhaps McIlroy still holds a grudge over the 2014 edition of the awards, where he came second to Lewis Hamilton, despite winning two majors and the Ryder Cup that year.
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Stunned that people thought Rory McIlroy wasn’t worthy of the #spoty. Easily achieved more in 2023 than the top two and was at the forefront of a fight for the soul of his sport. Utter sham.
— Douglas Dickie (@DouglasDickie1) December 19, 2023
Rory McIlroy to #SPOTY pic.twitter.com/yFwq7oZUwO
— Michael McEwan (@MMcEwanGolf) December 19, 2023
Rory McIlroy not only refused an invite to BBC SPOTY but he refused to do a video call with them. Tommy Fleetwood has had to step in to chat. Love that Rory. 👏
— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) December 19, 2023
Rory McIlroy 🏌️♂️
Is he your BBC Sports Personality of the Year?
📱💻 Watch live on BBC One & iPlayer from 19:00 GMT #BBCSPOTY pic.twitter.com/392efvram1
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2023
"First of all, I’m so humbled to be on a list of such incredible athletes," said winner Earps.
"Sport is a fantastic thing where it brings the world together and it's been brilliant to listen to everyone's stories, so congratulations to you all.
"Thanks for voting for me everyone! I’m very honoured and humbled, as this is the ultimate all round sporting accolade. We’ve had an incredible couple of years but this is just wow.
"It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn't be here without my loved ones in my corner, who have been with me through the really not so great times.
"The last two years have been unbelievable, I’ve done more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to my goalkeeping coaches, my team-mates and my coaches."
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