Skating duo Jayne Towell and Christopher Dean were awarded a knighthood and knighthood respectively in the New Year Honors list, while England women’s coach Salina Wigman was awarded an honorary knighthood.
Torvill and Dean won perfect gold medals at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics with their iconic performance of Maurice Ravel’s Bolero.
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The four-time ice dance world champion also won four European titles and an Olympic bronze medal in 1994.
“It is both gratifying and humbling to receive this honor,” Dean said.
Dutch England coach Wigman was awarded an honorary dame title after leading the Lionesses to consecutive European Women’s Championships in 2022 and 2025.
Torvill and Dean scored perfect 12 points at the 1984 Olympics and were appointed MBEs in 1981 and OBEs in 2000 [Getty Images]
Several members of the Lady Lions were also recognized, including team captain Leah Williamson Who is appointed CBE.
The 28-year-old, who won two European Championships with England and the Champions League with Arsenal in 2025, was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honors.
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Alex Greenwood, Kayla Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Thun All become MBEs.
England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup winning team were also honored.
red rose coach John MitchellKiwi appointed OBE for services to sport, as is captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldercroft).
Wigman’s England beat Spain to win European title for second time in July [Getty Images]
Tovill and Dean told the BBC that their latest honours – recognition of services to the skating and voluntary sectors – were the “pinnacle” of half a century of combined work, which ended in July after their final tour.
However, when Torvill received a letter informing her of her knighthood, Dean said he wondered if he had missed it – until his own letter arrived in the post a few days later.
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Looking back on their success, the pair, who have been training together since they were teenagers, describe Olympic glory as “amazing”.
“When we do this, we’re almost lost in a dream,” Dean explains. “In the arena, it was really quiet. [It felt like it was] Just the two of us.
“Only when we come back [to Nottingham] We were aware of the impact because they held street marches.
“This road goes from where Jayne lives to downtown. We were rock stars.”
Wigman said she had “never imagined” the “respect and enthusiasm” she has received from the British people since becoming England manager and she paid tribute to the hard work on the pitch.
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“This title reflects my outstanding team of players and staff,” she said.
“Our team values mean that when one is recognized, all are recognized. I am proud to work with such a dedicated group of individuals.”
As well as honors for Mitchell and Stratford, Red Rose vice-captain mary parker and Megan Jones Appointed OBE and MBE respectively, Sadiya Kabeya and Ellie Kildunn Both became MBEs.
“I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh,” Kilton said, describing the moment she received the news via email. “I just wanted to call my mom.
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“I sent her a screenshot and said: ‘What does an MBE actually mean?’
“I’m very proud of myself and anyone on this list. It’s really cool to receive an award like this.”
Jones, whose parents died last year, said she was “proud” to receive the honor. She was sure her parents would be happy.
“I think they’ll be over the moon,” Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It’s such a sad situation. I wish I could have spent those moments with them.
“Now the card I’ve been given is – I have a beautiful family and a beautiful girlfriend, Celia, who looks after me. Her family is amazing. I have beautiful friends. They all look after me.
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“I feel very honored and grateful to these people for saving my life when I needed them the most.”
She added: “To be honest, I didn’t expect this [the MBE]. This is something I probably never really expected to get.
“All you think about is winning the World Cup, so to receive this award is also a huge honor and privilege.”
Rhys McClenaghan Appointed an MBE for services to gymnastics.
The 26-year-old from County Down in Northern Ireland won pommel horse gold for Ireland at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe Became an OBE for services to sport.
host Gabby Logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley Both men were awarded OBEs in recognition of their work in broadcasting and charity.
broadcaster and former england cricketer Issa Guha Awarded an MBE for inclusion and cricket.
Former Tottenham Hotspur Executive Chairman Daniel LevyThe manager, who stepped down in September after nearly 25 years in the job, was appointed CBE for services to Tottenham Hotspur charities and the community.
former football player Kerry DavisIn 1982, she became England’s first black female international and played 90 games for the England national team and was awarded an MBE.
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former welsh rugby player Jonathan Davis He was also awarded a CBE for his work as Chairman of the Velindre Cancer Care Trust.
New Year’s Sports Honor Roll
Knighthood
Christopher Dean (former skater), for services to skating and volunteering
lady status
Jayne Torvill (former skater), for contributions to skating and volunteering
Sarina Wiegman (England football manager), honorary knighthood as a Dutch national
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Jonathan Davies (former Welsh rugby player), Chairman of Velindre Cancer Care Trust
Daniel Levy (former Tottenham Hotspur Executive Chairman), for services to Tottenham Hotspur charities and the community
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Leah Williamson (England captain), for services to football
Fergus McCann (former chief executive of Celtic) for his financial and philanthropic contributions.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Zoe Stratford (England captain), for services to rugby league
Derek Brewer (former CEO of Nottinghamshire and MCC, former board advisor to the England and Wales Cricket Board), for services to cricket
Dr Ann Budge (Former Chairman and Chief Executive, Hearts), For serv to sport and the community in Midlothian
Dr James Craig (former Celtic player), for services to Scottish football and charity
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Gabby Logan (Broadcaster), For services to sports broadcasting and charity
John Mitchell (England manager), for his contribution to rugby league
Barry O’Brien (Cricket Administrator), for services to law, cricket and charity
Marlie Packer (England international), for services to rugby league
Sarah-Jane Perry (Squash player, grassroots champion and mentor), for services to squash
Stuart Pringle (Chief Executive, Silverstone), for services to motorsport
Paula Radcliffe (broadcaster and former athlete), for services to sport
Clive Tyldesley (Broadcaster), For services to sports broadcasting and charity
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Gill Whitehead (2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Chair), for services to women’s rugby
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Dr. Frances Akor (Non-Executive Director of UK Anti-Doping) for his contribution to sport
Joe Appiah (athlete), for contributions to sport, public health and human service
Susan Briegal (CEO, World Netball) for her contribution to sport
Daniel Costello (President, Spartak Football Club), For serv community, sport and youth development
Kerry Davies (former England international) for his contribution to football and diversity in sport
Simon Fisher (Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Professional Footballers’ Association), for services to football
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Alex Greenwood (England international), for services to football
Isa Guha (broadcaster and former England cricketer) contribution to inclusion and cricket
Megan Jones (England international), for services to rugby league
Tara Jones (referee), for services to rugby league
Sadia Kabeya (England international), for services to rugby league
James Keothavong (Umpire), for contributions to tennis and tennis officiating
Ellie Kildunne (England international), for services to rugby league
Louise Kingsley (Performance Director, British Rowing), for services to sport
David Laing (Chairman of Scottish Borders Disability Sports) for his contribution to sport
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Julia Lee (former Women’s Rugby League referee and advocate), for services to Rugby League
Sarah Massey (General Manager, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025), for contributions to Women’s Rugby League
Rhys McClenahan (gymnast), for contributions to the sport of gymnastics
Dr Ritan Mehta (Head of Medical and Team Physicians, England Women’s Football Team), for services to football
David Perks (Track and Field Coach), for contributions to Athletics
Kambiz Ramzan Ali (Taekwondo Master) for services to Taekwondo and the community
Toby Roberts (Olympic Champion), for contributions to sport climbing
Georgia Stanway (England international), for services to football
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Ella Toone (England international), contribution to football
Nigel Travis (Boxing Coach), For services to boxing and the community
Keira Walsh (England international), for services to football
Colin Wright (co-founder of Rushmore Institute of Gymnastics) for contributions to women’s gymnastics
Marie Wright (co-founder of Rushmore Institute of Gymnastics) for her contributions to women’s gymnastics