Lioness Beth Mead crowned 2022 BBC Sports Personality of the Year

The England and Arsenal hero was crowned as the winner of this year's award - voted for the by the public - and becomes the first women's footballer to win the award.

Mead played a starring role in England Women's victory at the European Championships during the summer, also earning the player of the tournament accolade after scoring six, which also made her the top goalscorer.

Her overall goal tally for the 2021-22 campaign was an impressive 20 in 19 matches, breaking Jimmy Greaves' long-standing record for the most England goals scored in one season.

England cricket Test captain Ben Stokes (31) claimed second place, while Team GB's Winter Olympics-winning curler Eve Muirhead (32) came third. 

Athlete Jake Wightman (28), seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan (47) and gymnast Jessica Gadirova (18) were also shortlisted for the award.

Earlier in the evening, Usain Bolt was given the Lifetime Achievement award, while Gadirova won the Young Personality of the Year award.

"I'm speechless for once," said Mead upon receiving the award.

"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."

The Lionesses also won the team of the year award, while manager Sarina Wiegman (53) picked up coach of the year.

The Euro 2022 victory was the first major trophy for the Lionesses and the first for a senior England team since the men's side won the 1966 World Cup.