Former Arsenal striker and England Lioness Jodie Taylor has been named as BT Sport’s Action Woman of the Year after her spectacular performance at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 finals.

The 31-year-old forward beat off competition from a shortlist of eight women, with exceptional sporting performances throughout the year, to win the public vote. Taylor won the Golden Boot in the Euros with five goals.

In what has been an outstanding year for women’s sport, with inspirational individual and team performances, Jodie beat off competition from World Champion canoeist Mallory Franklin in second place and Jo Konta, the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon singles semi-finals since 1978, in third.

jodie taylor award
Jodie Taylor.

Jodie received her award from Rachel Atherton, the 2016 winner, at the awards ceremony at the BT Sport Studio, hosted by Clare Balding, who said: “The BT Sport Action Woman Awards celebrate truly astounding women who have excelled with their sporting achievements over the past twelve months.

“It has been a breakthrough year for women’s sport – millions of people watching, greater investment and stunning performances.

“BT Sport is committed to celebrating the success of female athletes and our nominees this year prove that women’s sport is marching onwards and upwards.”

Taylor was an Arsenal player at the time of her antics with the England national team, but she’s since moved on to Melbourne City, before joining Seattle Reign.

She described her time at Arsenal as “a little bit up and down”, with injuries limiting her game time. Taylor also feels her playing style is better suited to America, and will make her return there in the coming months.