Manchester United and England goalkeeper, Mary Earps has been crowned as 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Earps enjoyed a stunning 2023 which saw her help England retain the Arnold Clark Cup and win Women’s Finalissima, plus claimed the Golden Glove for Man Utd and England in Women’s Super League and Women’s World Cup respectively.
Her win also saw Earps succeed her England teammate, Beth Mead as the second female footballer to win the award, and ensured that three women have won the last three BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on the trot, with Tennis’ Emma Raducanu having won in 2021.
The last time that three female athletes had won the coveted award in three consecutive years came in the 1960s.
Speaking live on BBC One upon winning the award, Earps commented: “First of all, I’m so humbled to be on a list of such incredible athletes. Sport is a fantastic thing where it brings the world together and it’s been brilliant to listen to everyone’s stories, so congratulations to you all.
“Thanks for voting for me everyone! I’m very honoured and humbled, as this is the ultimate all round sporting accolade. We’ve had an incredible couple of years but this is just wow.”
Earps also reflected upon the last two years which also saw her help England win UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, as she added: “It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn’t be here without my loved ones in my corner, who have been with me through the really not so great times.
“The last two years have been unbelievable, I’ve done more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to my goalkeeping coaches, my team-mates and my coaches.”
Cricketer, Stuart Broad finished as runner-up, whilst Heptathlon champion, Katrina Johnson-Thompson finished third.
Manchester City was selected by a panel as Team of the Year after becoming the second English team to achieve the treble – Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, whilst Pep Guardiola received Coach of the Year for his exploits as City manager.
Man City striker, Erling Haaland was voted World Sport Star of the Year after he helped the Cityzens to the treble last season, with 52 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions and was part of their successful UEFA Super Cup team in August which beat Sevilla on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
16 year-old Mia Brookes was named Young Sports Personality of the Year after she became the youngest world champion in snowboarding, and Britain’s first in Slopestyle in February.
1987 Javelin World Champion, Fatima Whitbread claimed the Helen Rollason Award for her work campaigning for improvements to the child care system in the UK, whilst ensuring that children in care have their voices heard and valued.
Liverpool legend, Sir Kenny Dalglish was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for his success as a player across stints at the Reds, Celtic and Scotland, during which he won 34 titles as a player followed by a further 15 titles as a manager in stints at Liverpool, Celtic and Blackburn.
Des Smith received the Unsung Hero Award for his work at Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club since 1986, which provides opportunities for children to play cricket, football, netball and hockey.
List of 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Winners
Sports Personality of the Year – Mary Earps (Football)
Team of the Year – Manchester City (Football)
Coach of the Year – Pep Guardiola (Football)
World Sports Star of the Year – Erling Haaland (football)
Young Sports Personality of the Year – Mia Brookes (snowboarding)
Helen Rollason Award – Fatima Whitbread
Lifetime Achievement – Sir Kenny Dalglish
Unsung Hero Award – Des Smith
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