ALCESTER’S Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton has been nominated as BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016.

The 58-year-old galloped into the history books in August after becoming Great Britain’s oldest Olympic champion since 1908.

Skelton, in his seventh Olympics, secured his golden win on Big Star in the individual showjumping event.

He will now go head-to-head with superstar athlete Mo Farah and tennis champion Andy Murray for the prize.

A Facebook group, encouraging people to vote for the equestrian, currently stands at more than 28,438 likes.

Skelton, who has now competed at more Olympic Games than any other Team GB athlete, previously made history in 2012 by securing Britain's first showjumping Olympic gold medal in 60 years.

He also broke the British record for highest fence jumped after conquering a 7ft 7ins obstacle at Olympia in 1978.

Skelton, who was forced to retire in 2001 after he broke his neck in two places in September 2000, made an incredible recovery and returned to the sport.

In 2012, he received an OBE for his services to sport.

Skelton, alongside 15 other candidates, will go forward to a live show at the Genting Arena in Birmingham on on Sunday, December 18 where the public will vote for their favourite to win via phone and online.