Sportsperson of the Year Faye Gaskin grateful for history making team

AFTER a rollercoaster career, Faye Gaskin said it was a "special" moment to be crowned Sportsperson of the Year in front of her "amazing" teammates.

Following the launch of the Women’s Super League in 2017, Faye has been one of the stand out players in a team that has won one Super League trophy, two league leaders shields, and four back to back Challenge Cups.

Showcasing her grit and determination, the 32-year-old enjoyed an incredible comeback from the significant knee injury she suffered at the 2021 Challenge Cup Final in 2021 to playing a major part in the last two Wembley wins.

This season also saw Gaskin shortlisted for the Woman of Steel trophy and form part of Saints' first Women team to become paid athletes, and the retiring half-back has capped the year off in style after winning the St Helens RFC 'Sportsperson of the Year' award at the Pride of St Helens on Friday, November 22.

The 32-year-old narrowly beat young boxing champion Kai Birch and historic car racer Andy Middlehurst.

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Faye Gaskin accepting her award with Saints captain Jodie Cunningham (Image: St Helens Star) Speaking about the award win, Gaskin, who is also a sixth-form PE teacher, said: "It is special to be here with my amazing teammates, and working as part of team, I never expected to win any individual awards.

"We have made history because we have achieved so much in such a short space of time together, from the Wembley wins to becoming the first paid athletes. I think we have really helped to break barriers down for girls wanting to play rugby league.

"There have been some incredible athletes nominated [at the awards ceremony] and I will always encourage any athlete with ambition to follow their dreams."