Lioness Mead roars to Sports Personality of the Year success

England star Beth Mead has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year. 

The Arsenal forward, 27, picked up both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament award as the Lionesses won Euro 2022 in the summer. 

And she was delighted to add to her individual haul by pipping England Test captain Ben Stokes and Eve Muirhead, who won curling gold at the Winter Olympics, in the public vote. 

Mead said: "I'm speechless for once. 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. 

"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."

Athlete Jake Wightman, seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and gymnast Jessica Gadirova were also shortlisted for the top award.

Earlier in the night, the Lionesses were named the Sports Personality Team of the Year and England boss Sarina Wiegman won Coach of the Year.

Other Sports Personality 2022 award winners

Helen Rollason Award: Rob Burrow 
Young Sports Personality of the Year: Jessica Gadirova 
Lifetime Achievement: Usain Bolt 
Unsung Hero: Mike Alden 
World Sport Star: Lionel Messi