TODAY we continue our countdown to The Gazette Sports Awards in March as Graham Merry looks at the next five sportsmen and sportswomen nominated for the title of The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year. To vote, complete the coupon in your Basingstoke Extra.

JULIE CHEUNG - tumbling: She overcame injury to help Great Britain to a silver medal at the European championships in Bulgaria for the second year running. This all comes despite suffering an achilles tendon problem.

THERESA DARNELL-LANGTON - indoor bowls: Last year proved a great year on the green for Darnell-Langton, as she won the English Women's Indoor Bowls title at her home venue of Loddon Vale. This came after a series of great comebacks in nearly every round of the competition.

JEAN MATON - powerlifting: Once again, this lifter was in fine form throughout the year, triumphing in the British and European Masters titles. She then went to India and retained her World Masters crown.

MITCHELL STOKES - cricket: As well as playing for Basingstoke and North Hants, this teenage cricketer had an excellent season with the Hampshire seconds and Hampshire Academy. He finished the year by being picked for the current England under-19 tour of India.

HELENA TOBIN - athletics: The highlight of 2004 for the Basingstoke and Mid Hants runner came in the national indoor championship 800 metres final in Sheffield, where she finished third behind double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes.