In a thrilling turn of events for football enthusiasts and fans of women’s sports, England’s very own goalkeeper extraordinaire, Mary Earps, has clinched the coveted title of Sports Personality of the Year 2023. At 30 years old, Earps has not only secured her place in history but also become a symbol of determination and excellence in women’s football.
Earps’ meteoric rise to stardom was punctuated by her remarkable performance during the summer, where she played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ journey to their first-ever World Cup final. This achievement alone was enough to turn heads, but she didn’t stop there. The icing on the cake was when she was awarded the prestigious Golden Glove for her exceptional skills between the goalposts during the tournament.
This victory marks the second consecutive year that a women’s footballer has claimed the Sports Personality of the Year award, a testament to the growing recognition and popularity of women’s football on a global scale.
In a closely contested race, England cricketer Stuart Broad secured the second spot, with world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson finishing in third place. The competition was fierce, with notable athletes like jockey Frankie Dettori, wheelchair tennis sensation Alfie Hewett, and golfing prodigy Rory McIlroy also in contention. The ultimate decision rested in the hands of the public, as they cast their votes to determine the winner.
Mary Earps’ triumph follows in the footsteps of her Lionesses teammate, Beth Mead, making her the third consecutive woman to claim this prestigious award—a remarkable feat not witnessed since the 1960s.
The accolades for Earps don’t stop at the Sports Personality of the Year title. As the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, she displayed unwavering excellence by playing every minute of England’s seven World Cup matches, conceding only four goals and keeping three clean sheets. Her heroics included a crucial penalty save in the final, despite England narrowly losing to Spain by a 1-0 margin.
Moreover, Earps played a pivotal role in England’s historic triumph at Euro 2022, where the Lionesses secured their first major trophy. Her stellar performance was recognized as she was voted England Women’s Player of the Year for 2022-23 and achieved a remarkable fifth place in the Ballon d’Or award voting.
Beyond the international stage, Earps dazzled in domestic football as well, claiming the Women’s Super League Golden Glove for the 2022-23 season while representing Manchester United. She etched her name in history by becoming the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL—a truly extraordinary achievement.
Mary Earps’ journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. She faced adversity, including being an outcast and on the brink of retirement after being sidelined as England’s third-choice goalkeeper at the 2019 World Cup. However, her determination and unwavering dedication led her to stage an incredible comeback, solidifying her position as England and United’s undisputed number one.
Her incredible popularity extends far beyond the football pitch. With a degree in information management and business studies, she’s not only a sports star but also a role model. Earps has reached a level of fame where she is regularly stopped for photographs, spotted at airports, and even has a bus and tram named after her in her hometown of Nottingham.
While there have been rumors of a potential move to Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window, the recent disappointment of England failing to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics on behalf of Great Britain might put some of her international aspirations on hold.
In conclusion, Mary Earps’ remarkable journey from obscurity to becoming the Sports Personality of the Year 2023 serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. Her achievements, both on and off the field, are a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion for one’s craft. Congratulations to Mary Earps, a true sporting icon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mary Earps Sports Personality
Who is Mary Earps?
Mary Earps is a highly accomplished goalkeeper from England who gained fame for her outstanding performances in women’s football.
What is the Sports Personality of the Year 2023 award?
The Sports Personality of the Year 2023 is a prestigious annual award presented to an outstanding sports personality in the UK. It recognizes athletes who have made significant contributions to their respective sports.
What achievements led Mary Earps to win this award?
Mary Earps won the award due to her exceptional performance during the World Cup, where she played a crucial role in England’s journey to the final and received the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. Her accomplishments also extended to domestic football, where she excelled in the Women’s Super League.
How did Mary Earps overcome challenges in her career?
Mary Earps faced adversity when she was initially sidelined as England’s third-choice goalkeeper in the 2019 World Cup. However, her determination and hard work led to a remarkable comeback, solidifying her position as the top choice for both England and Manchester United.
What impact has Mary Earps had on women’s football?
Mary Earps’ success has not only made her a sporting icon but also a role model for aspiring athletes. Her achievements and dedication inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams in football and other sports.
What are some of Mary Earps’ notable achievements beyond winning the award?
In addition to winning the Sports Personality of the Year 2023 award, Mary Earps was named FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, played a key role in England’s Euro 2022 victory, and achieved a remarkable fifth place in the Ballon d’Or award voting.
Is Mary Earps considering a transfer to another football club?
There have been rumors of a potential move to Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window, but no official confirmation has been made.
What’s next for Mary Earps in her football career?
While her domestic and individual achievements are impressive, Mary Earps might face some international setbacks, as England failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics on behalf of Great Britain. However, her future remains promising as she continues to excel on the football pitch.
More about Mary Earps Sports Personality
- Mary Earps Wins Sports Personality of the Year 2023
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year
- Golden Glove Award in Women’s Football
- Mary Earps’ Inspirational Journey in Women’s Football
- Mary Earps’ Impact on Women’s Sports
- Mary Earps’ Achievements Beyond the Award
- Rumors of Mary Earps’ Transfer to Arsenal
- Challenges and Future Prospects for Mary Earps
1 comment
mary earps, gr8 player! luv her story, so inspirtionl. ⚽