Mary Earps wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023: ‘I’m so humbled!’
Mary Earps has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023.
The England goalkeeper, 30, lifted the 70th edition of the award in a public vote at the annual ceremony at MediaCityUK in Salford on Tuesday (19.12.23) night, with cricketer Stuart Broad, 37, finishing in second place and athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 30, coming third.
Mary said on stage while picking up her trophy from ice dancers Torvill and Dean: “I’d like to say how humbled I am to be on a list of such incredible athletes... sport is a fantastic thing where it brings the world together, to hear you guys talk about your journeys, I think it’s unbelievable.
“Thanks for voting for me – everybody who voted for me... this is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade.
“It’s not been the easiest journey and I definitely wouldn’t be here today without a number of incredible people.
“Thank you so much to my teammates and coaches – I wouldn’t be here without you all.”
Mary was also voted England Women’s Player of the Year and helped Manchester United finish second in the Women’s Super League last season with 14 clean sheets.
She was also in the headlines this year when she opened up about how hurt she felt Nike had not made her England goalkeeper’s replica jersey available to buy before the tournament.
Mary was the bookies’ favourite to scoop the award after being one of leading lights at the World Cup for the Lionesses who let by only four goals in their run the final and winning the Golden Glove trophy.
Snowboarder Mia Brookes, 16, was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2023 after becoming the youngest world champion in snowboarding, and Britain’s first in slopestyle, when she won gold in February.
The Unsung Hero award was given to Desmond Smith, chairman of Sheffield’s Caribbean Sports Club.
Javelin throwing legend Fatima Whitbread, 62, won the Helen Rollason award, after dedicating her life to try and ensure that children never go through the experiences she went through – after she was abandoned as a baby before spending 14 years in children’s homes.
Speaking to a standing ovation, she said: “This is a very, very special award. Helen was a friend, now she’s given me the chance to stand here and speak for our children.
“I stand here to celebrate our children and the resilience they show. Children are our future. I am calling for fundamental change, so that there future is happier and healthier, and that they may one day reach their full potential too.
“I am working hard to try and rejuvenate the care system sector. In the 60 years since I was in the care system, I have seen governments come and go and not a lot has changed.
“It’s so important that we work together to build better, happier lives.
“We all need to feel seen and valued and these children are no different.'
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, 23, was the winner of the World Sports Star award, while ex-Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, 72, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2023
Full List of Winners
Sports Personality of the Year
Mary Earps
Lifetime Achievement
Kenny Dalglish
Young Sports Personality
Mia Brookes
Coach of the Year
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Team of the Year
Manchester City
Unsung Hero
Des Smith (Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club)
World Sport Star
Erling Haaland
Helen Rollason Award
Fatima Whitbread
