Bradley Wiggins, Jessica Ennis and Andy Murray
Andy Murray's US Open victory capped off an extraordinary sporting summer.
Hours after Britain's Olympians and Paralympians received a tumultuous ovation as they paraded through the streets of London, Murray produced a magnificent final flourish across the Atlantic in New York.
The Scot's epic win over Novak Djokovic made him a leading challenger in probably the strongest Sports Personality of the Year field ever assembled.
Let's take a look at the top 10 contenders for the coveted BBC award.
Bradley Wiggins - Cycling (6/5 favourite)
What he did: Back in July, Wiggo became the Britain's first Tour de France winner. The nation's favourite mod followed it up with a devastating gold medal performance in the Olympic time trial. At the point he won his gold, bookmakers Ladbrokes paid out on bets on Wiggins to scoop the award - which is far from certain now.
Andy Murray - Tennis (5/2)
What he did: Ended Britain's 76-year wait for a Grand Slam champion with an epic win in the US Open final. Amazingly, it eclipsed his Olympic gold and silver medals, and his Wimbledon final appearance.
Mo Farah - Athletics (3/1)
What he did: Capped off Britain's Olympic Super Saturday with a brilliant 10,000m victory, then followed it up with a second gold in the 5000m. Started a dance craze and even got Usain Bolt to do the 'Mobot'.
Jessica Ennis - Athletics (12/1)
What she did: Lived up to her Olympic poster girl status with heptathlon gold, establishing herself as the greatest all-around athlete in the world. Her finishing burst in the 800m was one of the moments of London 2012.
David Weir - Athletics (25/1)
What he did: The wheelchair athlete pulled off an astonishing Paralympic quadruple, winning at 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon distances - all in the space of one magical week in London.
Ellie Simmonds - Swimming (66/1)
What she did: Won two golds in the S6 400m freestyle and 200m IM, setting world records in both finals, before adding a silver and a bronze. At 17, she could go on to become one of the greatest Paralympians ever.
Sir Chris Hoy - Cycling (100/1)
What he did: Cemented his position among Britain's all-time greatest Olympians by taking his tally to six gold medals. Hoy led the sprint team to glory before a tearful Olympic farewell with Keirin gold.
Sarah Storey - Cycling (150/1)
What she did: One of the most versatile and durable athletes in Paralympic history, Storey won her first golds 20 years ago as a swimmer. Now a cyclist, she dominated on both road and track with four golds.
Rory McIlroy - Golf (200/1)
What he did: The only non-Olympic or Paralympic gold medallist in the top 10, McIlroy has established himself as the world's leading golfer, topping the rankings and winning his second Major at the US PGA Championship.
Ben Ainslie - Sailing (200/1)
What he did: Ainslie remembers when Britain was rubbish at the Olympics, having debuted in Atlanta in 1996. In London, he triumphed in a thrilling finale to claim Finn gold and win his fourth consecutive Olympic title.
Other contenders: Jonnie Peacock (Athletics), Hannah Cockroft (Athletics), Greg Rutherford (Athletics), Nicola Adams (Boxing), Victoria Pendleton (Cycling), Jason Kenny (Cycling), Laura Trott (Cycling), Tom Daley (Diving), Charlotte Dujardin (Equestrian), Kath Grainger (Rowing), Alistair Brownlee (Triathlon).