Follow in the footsteps of 2012's sporting heroes

One hundred and eighty-five Olympic and Paralympic medals at home Games, grand slam glory in New York, the first ever British Tour de France champion, a thrilling Ryder Cup victory and a hard-fought Champions League title - 2012 has been the year of Great British sport.

The twelve nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year offer a snapshot of the sporting successes that have provided inspiration for the 15.5 million people who have played sport regularly this year.

If these phenomenal athletes have fuelled your desire to give sport a go then find out below how you can try out their sports.

Expand Nicola Adams

Box clever

Nicola Adams quickly became one of the faces of 2012 when she boxed her way into the history books, becoming the first ever female Olympic boxing champion.

As well as being a great sport for improving your fitness, boxing also offers social and mental well-being benefits. And if you don’t want to fight, you can still enjoy all the benefits of the training regime without getting hit If you want to step into the ring visit the Amateur Boxing Association’s website.

Expand Ben Ainslie

Take to the waves

 With an Olympic career spanning 16 years, four golds and a silver, Ben Ainslie is the most successful sailor in history and has showcased the sport of sailing to a whole new audience – just don’t make him angry.

Ben retired from the Olympics after London 2012 to focus on the Americas Cup but you can start your sailing experience by visiting the RYA website and finding out about the range of beginner’s courses and have-a-go sessions.

Expand Jess Ennis

Emulate Ennis

As the poster girl for the Olympics Jess Ennis was always going to be intrinsically linked to London 2012 but her dominant performance in the heptathlon cemented her position as GB’s golden girl.

Jess’s success in the heptathlon showcased the wide variety of athletic events that you can try. If you want to pick up a javelin or learn to hurdle then visit the UK Athletics website.

Expand Mo Farah

Find your stride

Before London 2012 Britain had not won a long distance gold for more than a century and then in the space of a week Mo Farah won two.

Whilst the vast majority of us can only dream of having Mo’s athletic ability, we can head to our nearest open space to go for a jog. Distance running is a low cost form of exercise that can significantly improve your fitness and wellbeing so, if you’re tempted to pull on your trainers, visit Run England.

Expand Katherine Grainger

Stick your oar in

After taking silver at each of the last three Olympics, Katherine Grainger’s sights were firmly set on gold at London 2012 and, along with her partner Anna Watkins, she delivered in emphatic style.

If Katherine’s tenacity and determination have inspired you to take to the water then find out how you can try it on the Explore Rowing website.

 

Expand Chris Hoy

Visit a velodrome

This summer, 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Sir Chris Hoy proved once again why he is the king of the track, winning another two golds to make him the most successful British Olympian ever.

If his success in the saddle has made you want to give the sport a go then go to the British Cycling website to find out how you. Track cycling is not as intimidating as it looks and veledromes run beginners courses to teach you the basics.

Expand Rory McIlroy

Step up to the tee

Rory McIlory may be the only Sports Personality of the Year nominee who did not compete at London 2012 but his impressive performances this season easily earned him a place on the shortlist.

With the PGA Championship, world number one ranking and Ryder Cup victory under his belt, Rory has provided plenty of inspiration for anyone who wants to step onto the course. If you want to give it a go visit the Get into golf website.

Expand Andy Murray

Become a tennis ace

Inspired by the success served up this year by Andy Murray? Whether it was his gold medal winning exploits at the All England Club or his grand slam success in New York, if Andy’s achievements have made you want to take to the court then visit the LTA’s allplay website.

Allplay allows you to locate your nearest court, find a playing partner and discover new ways of playing the sport – whether you are trying for the first time or getting back into the sport.

Expand Ellie Simmonds

Dive in

Ellie Simmonds may have had a lot of pressure resting on her young shoulders but she lived up to her billing as one of the stars of the Paralympics, taking home a haul of two golds, a silver and a bronze.

Whether you want to race like Ellie, go to the pool for fun or get fit, British Swimming has a range of programmes that can help you get into the sport. For more information, visit the Go Swimming website.

Expand Sarah Storey

Discover your pedal power

London 2012 was the perfect Games for Sarah Storey as she took gold in all four of her events, making her the most successful British Paralympian ever.

Dominating on both the track and the road, Sarah proved that Britain’s women can hold their own against the likes of Sir Chris and Bradley Wiggins.

If the performance of GB’s women has made you want to get on your bike, why not go on one of British Cycling’s special women-only Breeze Rides. Before becoming a cyclist Sarah was also a gold medal winning swimmer, if you want to discover the right disability sport for you use the Parasport Self-Assessment Wizard.

Expand David Weir

Unleash your inner Weir-wolf

Four events entered, four golds won in victorious style – London 2012 was the moment the world realised what a supreme athlete David Weir is.

If David’s dominance across the distances inspired you to test yourself on the track then visit the UK Athletics website, or if you want to try wheelchair racing go to the Wheelpower site.

Expand Bradley Wiggins

Become a Tour de force

Britain’s first ever Tour de France champion is a seven-times Olympic medallist and a witty gentleman to boot. In 2012 Bradley Wiggins proved why he is one of cycling’s most popular personalities.

Whether it's on the track or the road, Bradley has provided a whole host of memorable moments across his 15 year career.

You can emulate Bradley’s early days by riding at his first track, Herne Hill Velodrome, or if you want to hit the open road then why not go on a British Cycling Sky Ride.