New Year Honours: Equestrianism, golf and boxing steal the sporting limelight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Despite the distinct lack of international success for English football, rugby and cricket teams this year, there are many honours awarded for excellence in other, lower profile, sports.
The Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, who was recently voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, is made an MBE for services to equestrianism. The award crowns a year in which she won gold at the World Equestrian Games and European Championships.
There is also an OBE for Ian Woosnam, who led Europe's golfers to a famous Ryder Cup victory over the USA this year. Woosnam, who had a distinguished career as a player, was captain of the team that thrashed the USA by 18.5 points to 9.5 at the K Club in County Kildare.
In Rugby, Gareth Edwards, the former Welsh scrum-half, is made a CBE. Between 1967 and 1978 he won 53 caps for Wales, including 13 as captain.
While the much-rumoured knighthood for the former England captain David Beckham failed to materialise, two awards recognise the achievements of other footballers. Steven Gerrard, Beckham's former colleague in the English midfield, and Liverpool's inspirational captain, is made an MBE. In 2001 he helped Liverpool to a treble of League Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup triumphs. In 2004 the team dramatically won the Champions League, and this year they won the FA Cup.
Faye White, captain of the Arsenal Ladies football team and England, becomes an MBE. She has won over 50 caps, while Arsenal have won the Women's Premier League seven times.
David Davies, the BBC reporter turned football administrator, is appointed an OBE. Formerly the executive director of the FA, he was a supporter of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
There is also an honour for the yachtsman Michael Golding, who turned back to rescue a rival in the solo Five Oceans round-the-world race - he is appointed an OBE. And Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, seen by many as Britain's most popular boxer since Naseem Hamed, is made an MBE. Hatton is undefeated in 41 fights and has won world championships at welterweight and light welterweight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments