BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2010 - Tom Daley

The race to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year is hotting up, with all contentder recieving support from their sport. But could diving wonderkid Tom Daley win? Chris Mayer has a look at his y

Still only 16 years old, Tom Daley had achieved so much in his fledging career, but 2010 was his best year yet.

The opening months of the year were tough for Daley and his family, after his father, Rob was diagnosed with a brain tumour that had returned four years after a live-saving operation to remove it.

The relationship between the two had always been strong, with Rob travelling to every event with his son to show his support.

In the pool, Tom found competing tough early in the year. In February he finished 2nd in the British Championships, which he said was 'a disappointing result'. It wasn't entirely a surprise as it was his first competition since being crowned World Champion in 2009 and also he aimed to increase the difficulty of his dives.

He unveiled a new 'twister' type of dive (a back two-and-a half somersault and two and-a-half twists) showing intent to improve the skill of his diving.

April was particularly disappointing for the prodigy after he failed to qualify on the 1s day for the FINA Diving Event in Velacruz, Mexico. He also finished 4th in the second day suggesting a lack of form for the 16-year-old.

However, the summer of 2010 proved to be nearly disastrous. Injury to his triceps in the 10m synchronised competition at the European Championships in Hungary threatened to rule him out for the rest of the year, and most notably his first Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Fortunately, after intensive rehab, he was able to compete in India. His first event was the 10m synchronised competition with partner Max Brick. The two combined superbly to grab gold, winning the event with ease. The following day Daley added to his gold medal tally, winning the individual 10m event. Immediately after, he phoned his father to tell of the news.

It was sensational two days for Daley. After an emotional season away from the pool, Daley managed to end the year stronger than ever before.. With the London Olympics in sight, Daley is on course to be on of Great Britain's premier athletes.

Odds on winning - 25/1

Verdict - Could be the family choice, being the youngest contender. But surely his best chance will be in 2012.