BBC Sportsman of the Year 2022 Lioness Beth Mead hobbles

BBC Sportsman of the Year 2022: Lioness Beth Mead hobbles down the red carpet on crutches

December always marks one of the most prestigious events in the world of sport – the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

And Lioness star Beth Mead graced the red carpet alongside partner and Arsenal colleague Vivianne Miedema as both hobbled on crutches after suffering an injury.

The 27-year-old England footballer who was heavily favored to win the award after helping lead the women’s side to their first major trophy at Euro 2022.

Injury: Lioness Beth Mead (left) graced the red carpet at the Sport's Personality Of The Year Awards 2022 alongside partner and Arsenal colleague Vivianne Miedema (right) as both hobbled on crutches after suffering an injury on Tuesday

Injury: Lioness Beth Mead (left) graced the red carpet at the Sport’s Personality Of The Year Awards 2022 alongside partner and Arsenal colleague Vivianne Miedema (right) as both hobbled on crutches after suffering an injury on Tuesday

Beth looked chic in an olive green satin suit which she layered over a black bandeau top, showing off her toned abs.

She opted for natural makeup while styling her long blonde tresses into loose curls and slipping her feet into trainers.

Dutch player Vivianne, 26, wore a cream suit and completed the look with a black leather Burberry bag – costing a cool £1,500.

Stylish: The 27-year-old England footballer who was heavily favored to win the award after helping lead the women's side to their first major trophy at Euro 2022

Stylish: The 27-year-old England footballer who was heavily favored to win the award after helping lead the women’s side to their first major trophy at Euro 2022

Glam: Dutch player Vivianne (left) wore a cream suit and completed the look with a black leather Burberry bag - costing a cool £1,500

Glam: Dutch player Vivianne (left) wore a cream suit and completed the look with a black leather Burberry bag – costing a cool £1,500

Winner!  The Arsenal player won the Golden Boot for top scorer and was named player of the tournament during England's historic triumph in the summer

Winner! The Arsenal player won the Golden Boot for top scorer and was named player of the tournament during England’s historic triumph in the summer

Both women tore anterior cruciate ligaments in the last month, and Beth joked to Web about her crutches ahead of Wednesday’s event: “We’re going to look like a real couple.”

The pair met when Vivianne joined Arsenal in 2017 and have been loved ever since.

Beth joked to The Sun that the pair are David and Victoria Beckham of women’s football, saying: “Yes – of the lesbian world.”

Toned: Beth looked chic in an olive satin suit, which she layered over a black bandeau top, revealing a glimpse of her toned abs

Toned: Beth looked chic in an olive satin suit, which she layered over a black bandeau top, revealing a glimpse of her toned abs

Radiant: She opted for a natural makeup look while styling her long blonde tresses into loose curls Comfortable: She slipped her feet into comfortable sneakers

Radiant: She opted for a natural makeup look while styling her long blonde tresses into loose curls and slipping her feet into trainers

On stage: Beth later took the stage at MediaCityUk Salford

On stage: Beth later took the stage at MediaCityUk Salford

Vogues Edward Enninful ties the knot

The Lioness won the Golden Boot as top scorer and was named player of the tournament during England’s historic triumph in the summer.

Beth is joined on the shortlist by England cricket captain Ben Stokes, snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan, gymnast Jessica Gadirova, curler Eve Muirhead and runner Jake Wightman.

The awards show will celebrate the final 12 months of the sport, with the grand prize being determined by public vote.

Stylish: She refined the stylish satin look with a selection of gold jewellery Calmness: She appeared calm and confident in front of the audience

Stylish: She refined the stylish satin look with a selection of gold jewellery

Lionesses: (LR) Jill Scott, Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Ellen White

Lionesses: (LR) Jill Scott, Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Ellen White

Gorgeous: The ladies swapped their kits for gorgeous dresses

Gorgeous: The ladies swapped their kits for gorgeous dresses

And if bookmakers are to be believed, Beth becomes only the sixth – and first female – footballer to be crowned BBC Sportswoman of the Year in the awards’ 68-year history.

Join legends like Bobby Moore, Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

Speaking to Web ahead of the ceremony, Beth grinned: “You’re not bad people to be by your side, are you?”.

Stunner: I'm A Celeb's Jill Scott looked chic in a royal blue jumpsuit

Stunner: I’m A Celeb’s Jill Scott looked chic in a royal blue jumpsuit

Smile: She appeared in high spirits as she walked the red carpet with her teammates Curls: She styled her brunette locks into curls

Smile: She appeared in high spirits as she walked the red carpet with her teammates

“I would take that. I think I would die happy if I walked by her side.”

The Arsenal forward scored six goals and provided five assists as the Lionesses triumphed at the Women’s Euro in the summer and were named player of the tournament.

Sparkles: Lioness Ellen White opted for a sequined black jumpsuit for the star-studded evening

Sparkles: Lioness Ellen White opted for a sequined black jumpsuit for the star-studded evening

Gorgeous: She accentuated her features with makeup and completed the look with a glittery clutch

Gorgeous: She accentuated her features with makeup and completed the look with a glittery clutch

Gutted: The Arsenal star tore his ACL in November and is now a huge doubt for the World Cup

Gutted: The Arsenal star tore his ACL in November and is now a huge doubt for the World Cup

She continued, “I never thought I would fight for this. It’s a bit surreal to be alongside some of these people.”

‘I observe [British curler] Eve Muirhead competed in many Olympics when I was younger. She captivated me and made me want to watch curling. She would have got my vote.

“Sports personality is something we’ve always sat down and looked at as a family. I know how proud this will make my mum, dad and brother.”

Beth will be enjoying the evening alongside other lionesses including Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott who admits “I used my five free votes on her every night!”.

When asked if she would ever consider reality TV, Beth admitted, “I’d love to do it. I’m not a fan of all the creepy crawlies, but I’d like to see if I could overcome my fears and give it a try. But I don’t think I’m coordinated enough for Strictly!’

Awards: BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 is available on BBC One on Wednesday 21 December from 18.45

Awards: BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 is available on BBC One on Wednesday 21 December from 18.45

Young Sports Personality of the Year, Team and Coach of the Year, Unsung Hero and the Helen Rollason Award will also be up for grabs.

The 69th annual event is presented by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 can be seen on BBC One on Wednesday 21 December from 18.45

Who will be nominated for Sportsman of the Year 2022?

Six contenders are in line for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 award.

The nominees are:

  • Gymnast Jessica Gadirova
  • Footballer Beth Mead
  • Curling’s Eve Muirhead
  • Cricketer Ben Stokes
  • Snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan
  • Athlete Jake Wightman

Voting will open during the show on BBC One on December 21st.

Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will present the 69th Annual Awards.