There were two Sheffield natives who made their mark on the world stage this summer.

But while one was afforded a civic reception in her honour, the other celebrated more conventionally with a Thai meal and a drink with friends.

Jessica Ennis was hailed after winning heptathlon gold at the World Championships in Berlin.

The 23-year-old came back from the disappointment of missing the Beijing Olympics with injury to prove herself on the world stage.

It was a feat that won the hearts of the British public and has seen her tipped as one of the contenders for Sports Personality glory in her home city this December.

The other gem in Sheffield’s sporting crown is Steve Peat.

The 35-year-old finally won the World Downhill Mountain Bike title this year after previously claiming four silver medals in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2008.

The down-to-earth rider from Chapeltown, who won gold in a thrilling race in Canberra, admitted that, prior to the race in Australia, he practised reverse psychology which gave him a new edge.

“Before this race I actually said to myself ‘I will never win the Worlds’, but I think doing that helped lift the pressure that I had put on myself, and it might have been a big factor in why I managed to win this year,” he explained.

A proud Yorkshireman, Peat is now looking forward to BBC Sports Personality of the Year being held in his home city on 13 December.

“The city will be loving it, we have huge sporting pedigree and I think this will be supported well by the whole of Sheffield,” he said.

In fact, ask Peat his favourite sporting moment from this year and his answer gives away his firm regional roots.

“My favourite sporting moment this year was seeing fellow Sheffielder Jessica Ennis bring home the World Champs,” he said.

But while cyclists Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish have enjoyed high-profile success and recognition, outside of the world of Downhill, Peat’s success story is less well known.

After 15 years of racing, Peat has amassed a staggering three World Cup championship wins, two European championship titles and eight British championships but he insists he is not bitter about the fame enjoyed by the British track and road cyclists.

“Everyone knows Downhill is the hardest and the pressures for us are a lot bigger, so I don’t see why I need to complain,” says a mischievous Peat.

“I chose to do this sport instead of something more mainstream.”

Indeed, Peat has a worldwide fanbase to rival stars of more mainstream sports, and over a month after winning the World Championships he still modestly dedicates his win to them.

“It was an amazing feeling, more so as I have been trying to win this one for many years. I have a lot of support from fans all over the globe so it was nice for me to be able to win the Worlds and keep them happy too,” he said.

“I have been lucky in my career to always have good fan support. It’s is greatly appreciated and I always try to take time to sign autographs.

“I just have to thank them for their support, it makes me feel special to be able to bring the World Championships back for us all to share.

“This year has been quite special for me, to finally get the world title is huge and I also became the most successful rider (in terms of races won) on the circuit which means a lot to me too.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/8304972.stm