Olympians Helen Jenkins and Frances Houghton are amongst the names recognised for their services to Olympic sports in the 2019 Queen’s New Year Honours list.
They are joined by an illustrious cast of sports administrators and supporters of British Olympic sport as the sector celebrates their dedication and achievements.
Jenkins, 34, represented Team GB at Beijing 2008 and again at London 2012 and is a triathlon world champion. She receives an MBE for her services to triathlon.
Also awarded an MBE, Houghton, 38, won three silver medals during her Olympic career, including a silver in Athens 2004 (quad scull), Beijing 2008 (quad scull) and Rio 2016 (eight). Like Jenkins, she is also a world champion in her sport, having won gold in the quad scull on no fewer than four occasions.
England rugby legend and current RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont is granted a knighthood for his services to rugby, whilst Louise Martin, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and former Chair of Sport Scotland is awarded a Damehood.
Having served as the Chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company from 2008-12, Baroness Margaret Ford is awarded the OBE for her services to sport and business. She also chairs the British Tennis Foundation.
Two of curling’s most prominent figures receive awards in this Olympic Winter Games year with Kate Caithness receiving an CBE and Hew Chalmers an MBE for their services to sport and Olympic sport respectively.
Caithness, having herself began curling in the 1980s, has gone on to become President of the World Curling Federation (WCF) and in doing so the first female President of the WCF and of any Olympic Winter sports federation.
The Chair of British Curling, Chalmers has been a Director since its inception and was Great Britain Olympic Team Manager in 2002, Team Co-ordinator in 2006 and Women’s Team Manager for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
BOA Chief Executive Bill Sweeney said: “It is heartening to once again see those who have contributed so much to Olympic sport recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
“We are indebted to those athletes who have worn the Team GB colours in inspiring the nation and of course to those who have contributed so much in their work and generous charitable efforts on behalf of Olympic sport and the British Olympic Association.”