England and Arsenal star striker, Beth Mead has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022.

She starred at this summer's Euro 2022, where she helped the Lionesses to glory at Wembley, England's first ever major women's football trophy. The 27-year-old becomes the first women's footballer to win the award.

 

In a public vote, England Test captain Ben Stokes was second and Eve Muirhead, who led Team GB to curling gold in the Winter Olympics, came third. Athlete Jake Wightman, seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and gymnast Jessica Gadirova were also shortlisted for the award.

"I'm speechless for once," said Mead. "I'm incredibly honoured to win this award. I 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," 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." Mead's stellar performances at Euro 2022 saw her named the Player of the Tournament as well as winning the Golden Boot with six goals and five assists.

She also won the Sports Personality Team of the Year award alongside her Lionesses team-mates while England head coach Sarina Wiegman won Coach of the Year. The accolades are the latest in a long list this year where Mead has already been named Arsenal's player of the season for 2021-22, came second in the Ballon d'Or Feminin and won BBC's Women's Footballer of the Year award.

Her international goal tally for the 2021-22 campaign was 20 in 19 matches, breaking Jimmy Greaves' long-standing record for the most England goals in one season.

Other award winners at Sports Personality 2022:

Lifetime Achievement: Usain Bolt

Helen Rollason Award: Rob Burrow

Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman

Team of the Year: England Women

Young Sports Personality of the Year: Jessica Gadirova

Unsung Hero: Mike Alden

World Sport Star: Lionel Messi