Beth Mead has been crowned as 2022 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following her crucial role in England’s Euro success.
Mead scored six goals and provided five assists in a memorable 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro on English soil, as England finally ended their 56-year wait for a major footballing title since the men’s team triumphed in 1966 – albeit also on home soil and against Germany on both occasions at Wembley.
Mead’s performances also saw her claim the Golden Boot award plus the Player of the Tournament honour, capping off a memorable 2021-22 season where she was involved in 37 goals for England – of which she scored 20 goals and provided 17 assists for the Lionesses.
On the domestic stage for Arsenal, Mead enjoyed further success as she was voted as the club’s player of the year twice following separate player and supporter votes.
This year also saw Mead break various records in the Women’s Super League, which included the following three achievements to name a few:
- Most assists in WSL history
- Most chances created in a single WSL season
- Most chances created in open play from a single season
Speaking live on BBC One immediately after being crowned as 2022 BBC Sports Personality of the Year following a public vote, Mead commented: “I’m speechless for once. I’m incredibly honoured to win this award. Wouldn’t have done it without the girls.
“The team have backed me. Yes, I’ve won this accolade, I’ve scored a few goals but I wouldn’t have done it without them.
“I wouldn’t have done it without my dad, my mum and all my family.”
Mead concluded her winner’s speech by issuing a rallying cry for women’s sport to continue making positive progress, as she added: “This is for women’s sport and women’s sport heading in the right direction. Let’s keep pushing girls, let’s keep doing the right thing.”
Cricketer, Ben Stokes finished second and curler, Eve Muirhead claimed third ahead of Snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Athlete, Jake Wightman and Gymnast, Jessica Gadirova – who was awarded the Young Sport Personality of the Year award for her Gymnastics success this year.
Elsewhere, Mead and her fellow Lionesses were awarded Team of the Year following England’s home soil triumph at the Euros in which they scored 22 goals and conceded just twice, whilst they also claimed the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup title back in February.
Lionesses manager, Sarina Wiegman received Coach of the Year after she guided the team to an unbeaten year, in which they are now unbeaten in 26 matches across all competitions since her arrival in September 2021 – including a memorable friendly win over USA in October.
Argentina icon, Lionel Messi was crowned World Sport Star of the Year after he scored seven goals as he helped his country to a third FIFA World Cup title, after the Argentineans defeated France on penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw in a classic final.
Rugby legend, Rob Burrow was the receipent of the 2022 Helen Rollason Award for his fundraising efforts to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), whilst his fellow Rugby star – Kevin Sinfield was handed a Special Award for his own efforts to help fundraise in the fight against MND.
Athlete, Usain Bolt was handed the Lifetime Achievement five years after he retired from the sport.
Bristol’s Mike Alden was crowned as the Unsung Hero of the Year after setting up Park Knowle FC in one of Bristol’s most deprieved communities 10 years ago, amidst living with Brittle Bone Disease.
Full List of Winners
Sports Personality of the Year – Beth Mead (Football)
Young Sports Personality of the Year – Jessica Gadirova (Gymnastics)
Team of the Year – England Women National Football Team
Coach of the Year – Sarina Wiegman (Football)
World Sport Star of the Year – Lionel Messi (Argentina National Football Team)
Lifetime Achievement – Usain Bolt (Athletics)
Helen Rollason Award – Rob Burrow (Rugby)
Special Award – Kevin Sinfield (Rugby)
Unsung Hero – Mike Alden