TODAY we start our countdown to The Gazette Sports Awards in March as Graham Merry looks at the first five sportsmen and sportswomen nominated for the title of The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year.

SIMON APPLEBY - rugby: Long-time servant of 'Stoke after progressing through the youth ranks, this dogged flanker brings the needle and aggression to the team that every pack requires. His mobility as a forward and determination regularly ensure he gets among the tries.

PETE BEDFORD - powerlifting: The Chineham-based lifter completed a hat-trick of world titles in Atlanta last year to add to a hat-trick of British titles. His trip to America proved a great success as he set a new world record at the under-67kg weight and also picked up the best lifter accolade for the championship.

ALEX BOGDANOVIC - tennis: It was a memorable year for Britain's number four, who trained at Hampshire Centrecourt and ended up being given a dream draw at Wimbledon despite losing to reigning champion Roger Federer. After that, he made the Great Britain Davis Cup squad and won his first Challenger tournament in Manchester.

JENNY EARLE - athletics/judo: A multi-sport athlete, who is just at home on the judo mat or in the shot putt circle. She completed a clean sweep in the judo with British, European and World Masters titles. In athletics she won a shot silver medal in the British masters indoor championships before setting a new record at the British masters throws pentathlon.

DAVID ELDERFIELD - athletics: This Tadley-based runner won four medals at the inaugural world masters indoor championships in Sindelfungen for the 45 to 49 age group. He won individual gold in the 400 metres and then as part of the 4x200m relay team. A silver in the 60m dash and a bronze in the 200m completed his tally.