Mary Earps, the lioness, has become the Sports Personality of 2023 according to the BBC

The 30-year-old Manchester United and England goalkeeper was a key part of the Lionesses side that reached the Women's World Cup final this summer.

She won the FIFA Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Earps was also praised after she revealed that sportswear manufacturer Nike did not offer a replica England goalkeeper's kit for sale ahead of the World Cup, which later sold out in minutes.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been named BBC Sports Person of the Year 2023.#BBCSPOTY

– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2023

Earps' success Tuesday night made her the third consecutive female winner of the award.

Her England teammate Beth Mead won last year, while US Open champion Emma Raducanu won in 2021.

Accepting the award, Earps said: “I am both honored and humbled because I believe this is the ultimate all-round sports award. We've had some incredible years, but this is just wow.

“It hasn't been the easiest journey and I wouldn't be where I am today without a number of incredible people in my corner.

“They've been with me through some really, really not-so-great times, but the last two years have been incredible and I've done more than I could have imagined, and for that I'm truly grateful.

“Thanks to my teammates and coaches – I wouldn't be here without all of you.”

“It hasn't been the easiest journey and I wouldn't be where I am without a number of incredible people in my corner.”

Mary Earps thanks her support network for winning the BBC Sports Personal of the year award.#BBCSPOTY pic.twitter.com/oZKHR55BQB

– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2023

Who claimed the award?

Retired England cricketer Stuart Broad, who like Earps hails from Nottingham, came second in the voting, with world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson third.

Wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett, jockey Frankie Dettori and golf star Rory McIlroy were three other athletes shortlisted for the prestigious prize.

There was more than one award on the night, although 1987 world javelin champion Fatima Whitbread received the Helen Rollason Award for “outstanding achievement in the face of adversity” after being abandoned as a baby and spending her first 14 years in orphanages. was accepted by javelin coach Margaret Whitbread.

Whitbread was a finalist on I'm a Celebrity… South Africa and has worked with various charities helping children who have had similar experiences to hers since retiring.

Fatima Whitbread received the award on Tuesday night (Image: David Davis/Pennsylvania)

Accepting her award on stage, Whitbread said she was working hard with her foundation to rejuvenate the care sector “which it desperately needs” to improve outcomes for young people in the UK.

“In the 60 years since I've worked in the care system, I've seen governments come and go and not much has changed, they've thrown the same can down the road, I've seen it time and time again.

“I'm asking you to help me make a difference,” she said.

Manchester City's treble campaign were recognized as they took home the Team of the Year award.

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Their striker Erling Haaland won World Sports Star of the Year, while City coach Pep Guardiola was named Coach of the Year.

Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish received a lifetime achievement award at a ceremony in Salford on Tuesday night.

Mia Brooks, a 16-year-old snowboarder, won the young athlete award, while Desmond Smith, a grassroots sports coach from Sheffield, won the unsung hero award.