OLYMPIC golden girl Bethany Shriever has scooped another title after being crowned Essex sports personality of the year.

BMX ace Bethany, 21, from Finchingfield, won the gong at the Essex Activity Awards.

She was handed the award during last week’s virtual ceremony after winning gold for Great Britain in Tokyo,

Bethany said: “It’s definitely been a long and hard journey, but I look to inspire more women and girls to get involved in BMX, as it’s such an amazing sport.

“It’s been an incredible year and I’m grateful and honoured to have received this amazing award and to be voted as sports personality of the year by the public.”

The annual Essex Activity Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to physical activity and sport.

The virtual event was hosted by GP and TV Presenter Dr Zoe Williams, alongside Paralympic gold medallist Danny Crates.

A huge variety of achievements were showcased, from elite athletes and grassroot clubs, to community groups and those who have only recently found their active sides.

The winners were officially announced during a live-streamed ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse.

Beth was not the only Essex resident and Tokyo medallist to win an award on the night.

BMX Paralympic Silver Medallist and Clacton resident Ellie Challis was named young sports personality of the year.

The award given was for her amazing achievements at the Games along with her dedication to swimming.

Azeem Akhtar, Chairman of Active Essex, said: “It is crucial that we were able to celebrate not only our county’s sporting achievements but also the individuals and organisations that are encouraging participation at every level.

“Throughout the online ceremony it highlighted the importance of working closely together as a county to keep our communities active.”

“I’d like to thank everybody that played a part in this years’ Essex Activity Awards.

“From the public who submitted a record-breaking 800 nominations and voted for their local heroes, to our wonderful sponsors and fantastic finalists, who are all championing physical activity across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.”

To view the full ceremony, search for Essex Activity Awards on YouTube.