<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening?</h2>

Yesterday the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year was announced. Six stars are on it: cricketer Stuart Broad, footballer Mary Earps, golfer Rory McIlroy, athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, jockey Frankie Dettori and wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett.

The final choice will be hard to make after a year of great performances.

At Wimbledon, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz won the men's singles final. Alfie Hewitt won his wheelchair doubles with Gordon Reid.

Stuart Broad ended his international career by taking Australia's final wicket in the Ashes. It secured a draw in the series for England.

England's Lionesses reached the final of the Women's World Cup. Goalkeeper Mary Earps let in just four goals in seven matches.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more</h2>

Katarina Johnson-Thompson won the women's heptathlonAn athletic event in which each competitor takes part in the same prescribed seven events. at the World Athletics Championships.

Franki Dettori brought his amazing career in Britain to an end. He had wins in the 2000 Guineas, the Oaks, the Gold Cup, the Coronation Cup and the Champion Stakes.

In the Ryder CupA trophy competed for every other year by a team representing the US and one representing Europe., Europe's golfers easily beat the US. Rory McIlroy, who had already won the Scottish Open, topped the points list.

Some say we should celebrate these amazing achievements. Others say there are more important roles in society than mere athletes.

Yes! Being good at sport does not do anything to help the world, unlike working in medicine or as a teacher.

No! They provide both entertainment and deep inspiration. They show us what humans can do when skill is combined with training.

Heptathlon - An athletic event in which each competitor takes part in the same prescribed seven events.

Ryder Cup - A trophy competed for every other year by a team representing the US and one representing Europe.