England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Earps helped England reach the Women’s World Cup final, saving a penalty against Spain. Stuart Broad took second place and Katarina Johnson-Thompson took third place.
Tuesday 19 December 2023, UK, 22:20
Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, marking the second year in a row that a female footballer has won the award.
Earps produced a series of impressive performances as the Lionesses progressed to the Women’s World Cup final, with the goalkeeper saving Jenni Hermoso’s penalty in the 1-0 loss to Spain.
Earps’ popularity quickly gained attention when Nike initially refused to sell her England goalkeeper shirt, but the shirt sold out in five minutes after the sports manufacturer made a U-turn.
retired england cricketer stuart broad Despite being the world champion in the heptathlon, he came in second place. Katarina Johnson Thompson Finished in 3rd place.
“Actually, I feel a little sick,” Arps said upon accepting the award. “I just want to say how humbling it is to be among such amazing athletes. Sport is a great thing that brings the world together and it’s incredible to hear your stories.”
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I’m very honored and humbled. This is the ultimate honor in the entire sporting world. We, the Lionesses and Manchester United, have had a fantastic few years. But this is amazing.”
“This has not been an easy journey by any means, and I don’t think I would have been here if I didn’t have some amazing people in my corner. Thank you to them for being with me all the way today. I’m so happy to be able to bring my loved ones here who have spent so much time with me.” “It really, really hasn’t been such a great time. The last two years have been incredible. I can’t imagine.” I am truly grateful for all that I have done.”
Arps received the award for the 70th time, one year after Euro 2022 top scorer Beth Mead won the award.
Other awards include erling haaland While being selected as a World Sports Star, pep guardiola He was named Coach of the Year. Complete the high range, city of manchester Won Team of the Year.
snowboarder mia brooks He won the Young Sports Personality of the Year award. Fatima Whitbread Winner of the Helen Rollason Award.
Analysis: Why Arps perfectly captured his moment
Laura Hunter on Sky Sports:
Mary Earps put the world on the map as a female goalkeeper. What was once considered an unfashionable and undesirable position on the football pitch is now all the rage, and that is entirely due to the influence of England’s treasured number one.
The player struggled to quit the sport completely during her formative years and was left out of her previous Lionesses squad before receiving what was described as a surprise recall under coach Sarina Wiegman.
Since then, her performances have surpassed those of all previous players who currently wear the No. 1 shirt, following a long and successful battle with Nike. This shirt is now available at all good retailers.
Earps is a trailblazer who lives up to his beliefs on and off the pitch. She has a contagious personality and she clearly has a big influence on her teammates because she never says a bad word. She “loves to talk about Mary,” English colleague Alessia Russo said in her recent interview. Now, the people feel the same way.
The biggest moment is when the 30-year-old grows up. Stepping up to avoid a penalty in her World Cup final was just business, and she truly made 2023 her own. Goalkeepers are no longer neglected or undervalued. Arpsmania has become a movement and is taking the sports world by storm. It’s not just her shirts that are in unprecedented demand.