A number of Olympians have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for 2024, compiled to mark the the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.
Among them is Olympic champion Maddie Hinch, who has been awarded an OBE for services to hockey. The goalkeeper was an integral member of the gold-medal winning squad at Rio 2016. She was recognised with an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours, and returned for her second Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020 where the team won bronze.
Tokyo 2020 footballer Millie Bright has received an OBE for services to football while Olympic teammate Lauren Hemp has been awarded an MBE, and Olympic gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie have each been recognised with MBEs for services to gymnasts and to the sport of gymnastics. Double Olympian Tom Bosworth, who competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, has received an MBE for services to race walking.
Olympic bronze medallist Joslyn Hoyte-Smith has been awarded an MBE for services to athletics. The former sprinter, who competed in the 4x400m relay at Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, is now Chair of the GB Olympians’ Association, an organisation promoting Olympism and the contributions of Olympians to society.
Olympic silver medallist Miriam Luke (nee Batten) and current president of Henley Rowing Club has been recognised with an MBE for services to women’s rowing. Luke competed at the Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, before winning silver at Sydney 2000 alongside her sister Guin in the quadruple sculls.
Arsenal FC CEO and British Olympic Association Board Member Vinai Venkatesham has been awarded with an OBE for his contribution to football and the growth of the women’s game, and Pamela Vipond, the International Olympic Committee’s Deputy Director of Olympic Solidarity, has been awarded an MBE for services to sport.
A number of notable figures from across the wider Olympic sport network have also been named, including World Rugby Chair Sir Bill Beaumont, who has been awarded the Grand Cross for services to rugby union and to charity, and broadcaster Hazel Irvine, who has been awarded an MBE for services to sport and charity after reporting or presenting from 15 Olympic Games over the course of her career so far.
British Olympic Association Vice Chair, Annamarie Phelps CBE, said: “It has been a fantastic year for British sport, and it is a source of great pride that so many athletes are recognised in this year’s New Year Honours for their extraordinary achievements.
"On the eve of what is sure to be a remarkable Olympic year, we also join in celebrating a number of our friends and colleagues from across the Olympic Movement who have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the sector and the impact they have made globally. We wish all those named our warmest congratulations.”