England Athletics congratulates Katarina Johnson-Thompson on placing third at the SPOTY awards
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has ended a fantastic 2023 for the sport of athletics by being voted by the public into third place at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
The third-place finish at these prestigious annual awards comes in recognition of Katarina winning the second heptathlon world title of her career, overcoming injury troubles to post two personal bests and to take the overall victory in the event.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps won the award, thanks to her integral part in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, while cricketer Stuart Broad took second place.
Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said:
"I’d like to offer congratulations on behalf of everyone at England Athletics to Katarina for coming third at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
"Katarina is undoubtedly deserving of this recognition, coming back from injury to regain her status as heptathlon world champion in Budapest earlier this year."
Fatima Whitbread also won the prestigious Helen Rolleson Award which recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.
Away from competition, Katarina is a fantastic ambassador for England Athletics, offering her support to funetics – our fun and inclusive kids’ athletics programme - and playing an important part in supporting 4-11 years olds get more active.