Emma Finucane Wins BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2023

Image: Emma Finucane, a talented track cyclist, has been awarded the prestigious title of BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year for 2023.

Emma Finucane, a 20-year-old track cyclist, has been named the BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year for 2023. This recognition comes after her remarkable achievements in the world of cycling, including her recent gold medal win at the Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.

Finucane’s journey began when she was just eight years old, with her mother signing her up for a local cycling club. Over the years, she progressed from cyclo-cross and road cycling to track cycling, eventually becoming the youngest match sprint world champion in almost half a century.

In August, Finucane claimed her first major title by winning the women’s sprint at the Cycling World Championships in Glasgow. She also secured a world team sprint silver medal, adding to her four national titles that she had won earlier in the year.

Finucane’s success did not come without its challenges. During the keirin event at the World Championships, she crashed in the quarter-finals, leaving her on the ground in tears. However, she used this disappointment as fuel for her golden success, setting a new record for the fastest 200m by a woman at sea level.

Throughout her career, Finucane has been inspired by fellow Welsh cyclist Becky James, who won the women’s sprint title in Minsk in 2013. Finucane’s ultimate goal is to become an Olympic champion, and she is now considered one of the favorites for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.

The BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year award is a significant achievement for Finucane, as it recognizes her outstanding performances and contributions to Welsh sports. She was selected for this honor by an expert panel, including Paralympic great and Sport Wales Chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

In addition to Finucane, other notable athletes were also recognized for their achievements, such as boxers Lauren Price and Joe Cordina, Para-athlete Aled Sion Davies, swimmer Matt Richards, and Wales football captain Sophie Ingle.

This recognition of Emma Finucane’s achievements serves as a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent in the world of cycling. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and impress both her fellow athletes and fans around the world.