Lioness Beth Mead Wins 2022’s Sports Personality of the Year After a Groundbreaking Summer

It's been a groundbreaking year for women's sport, so it came as no surprise when footballer Beth Mead was crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022. In a ceremony which took place on 21 Dec., Mead was awarded the prestigious prize, beating a shortlist which included cricketer Ben Stokes, snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, curling champion Eve Muirhead, gymnast Jessica Gadirova, and runner Jake Wightman.

Mead was one of the England Lionesses who made history this summer by winning the UEFA Women's Euros 2022. Not only did she help the team to victory by bringing football home, but she also became the Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament. The Arsenal player has helped inspire a new generation of girls thanks to her dedication and success, and she joined the rest of the Lionesses in writing a letter to the government calling for equal access to football in PE for boys and girls after the tournament. Mead ended her acceptance speech, saying, "Most of all, this is for women's sport. Women's sport is heading in the right direction. Let's keep pushing girls and let's keep doing the right thing. Thank you."

Mead follows in the footsteps of Emma Raducannu who won the 2021 Sports Personality of the Year. With role models like these paving the way, the future is certainly looking bright for women's sports stars.