Torvill & Dean and Wiegman recognized with New Year’s honors

Torvill & Dean and Wiegman recognized with New Year’s honors
Torvill & Dean and Wiegman recognized with New Year’s honors

Ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were given damehood and knighthood respectively in the New Year’s Honors list, while England women’s representative Sarina Wiegman was made an honorary dame.

Torvill and Dean won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo with perfect scores for an instantly iconic performance set to Maurice Ravel’s Bolero.

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The four-time ice dance world champions also won four European titles and, in 1994, an Olympic bronze medal.

“Just to receive this honor is wonderful and humbling at the same time,” Dean said.

England boss Wiegman, who is Dutch, becomes an honorary dame after leading the Lionesses to successive Women’s European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

Torvill and Dean, who received 12 perfect scores for their Olympic-winning routine in 1984, were appointed MBE in 1981 and OBE in 2000 (Getty Images).

Several members of the Lioness team are also recognized, including the captain Lea Williamson who is appointed CBE.

The 28-year-old, a two-time European champion with England who also won the Champions League with Arsenal in 2025, was awarded the OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours.

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Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone all become MBEs.

There will also be honors for the winning English team of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

red rose trainer John MitchellNew Zealander, is appointed OBE for his services to sport, as is the captain. Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft).

Sarina Wiegman celebrates with the England players after winning the UEFA Women's European Championship

Wiegman’s England defeated Spain in July to win a second European title (Getty Images)

Torvill and Dean told the BBC that their latest honours, in recognition of services to skating and the voluntary sector, were the “culmination” of half a century together, which concluded in July after a final tour.

However, when Torvill received a letter informing him of his appointment, Dean said he wondered if he had missed it, until his own correspondence arrived in the mail several days later.

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Reflecting on their success, the pair who began training together when they were teenagers, described their Olympic glory as “simply incredible”.

“We almost got lost in a dream when we were doing it,” Dean explained. “In the arena, it was very quiet. (It seemed like it was) just the two of us.

“It was only when we got back (to Nottingham) that we realized the impact because they organized a street parade.

“It was lined up from where Jayne lived to the center of town. We were rock stars for a day.”

Wiegman said she “could never have imagined” the “respect and warmth” she has received from English people since becoming England manager and paid tribute to the efforts of those on the field.

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“This title is a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff,” he said.

“Our team values ​​mean that when there is recognition for one, there is recognition for all. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of people.”

In addition to Mitchell and Stratford honors, Red Roses vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones are appointed OBE and MBE respectively, with Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne both becoming MBEs.

Describing the moment she received the news by email, Kildunne said: “I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. I just wanted to call my mother.

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“I texted him a screenshot and said, ‘What does an MBE actually mean?’

“I’m very proud of myself and everyone on the list. To be honored with such an award is great.”

Jones, whose parents died last year, said she was “proud” to receive the honor. She’s sure her parents would have been delighted.

“I think they would be delighted,” Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s a very sad situation. I wish I could have those moments with them.

“Now, the cards I have: I have a beautiful family and a beautiful girlfriend, Celia, who takes care of me. Her family is incredible. I have beautiful friends. They all take care of me.

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“I feel very honored and also indebted to those people, because they helped me when I needed them most.”

He added: “Honestly, I didn’t expect it (the MBE). It’s something I’d probably never thought about getting.

“What you think about achieving is winning the World Cup, so receiving it is a great honor and also a huge privilege.”

Rhys McClenaghan He has been appointed MBE for services to gymnastics.

The 26-year-old, from County Down, Northern Ireland, won a gold medal for Team Ireland on the pommel horse at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

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Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe becomes OBE for services to sport.

Presenter gabby logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley They are both awarded OBE degrees in recognition of their work in broadcasting and the charity sector.

Broadcaster and former England cricketer Isa Guha becomes an MBE for inclusion and cricket.

Former Tottenham CEO Daniel Levywho left the role in September after almost 25 years, is appointed CBE for his services to charity and the community in Tottenham.

Ex-footballer Kerry Daviswho became England’s first black women’s international in 1982 and went on to win 90 caps, is awarded an MBE.

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Former Welsh rugby player jonathan davies He is also appointed CBE for his work as chairman of Velindre Cancer Care Trust.

New Year’s Sports Honors List

Knighthood

Christopher Dean (former ice skater), for services to ice skating and voluntary service

lady

Jayne Torvill (former ice skater), for services to ice skating and voluntary service

Sarina Wiegman (England football coach), honorary dame for being a Dutch national

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Jonathan Davies (former Welsh rugby player), to work as Chairman of Velindre Cancer Care Trust

Daniel Levy (former chief executive of Tottenham Hotspur), for services to charities and the community in Tottenham.

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Leah Williamson (England captain), for services to football

Fergus McCann (former Celtic chief executive) for services to the economy and charity.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Zoe Stratford (England captain), for services to rugby union

Derek Brewer (former chief executive of Nottinghamshire and MCC, and former board advisor to the England and Wales Cricket Board), for services to cricket.

Dr Ann Budge (former president and chief executive of Hearts), for services to sport and to 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 head coach), for services to rugby union

Barry O’Brien (cricket administrator), for services to the law, cricket and charity.

Marlie Packer (England international), for services to rugby union

Sarah-Jane Perry (squash player, grassroots champion and mentor), for services to squash

Stuart Pringle (CEO, Silverstone Circuit), 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

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Dr Frances Akor (non-executive director, UK Anti-Doping), for services to sport

Joe Appiah (athlete), for services to sport, public health and public service.

Susan Briegal (Chief Executive of World Netball) for services to the sport

Daniel Costello (President, Spartans Football Club), for services to the community, sport and youth development

Kerry Davis (former England international), for services to football and diversity in sport

Simone Fisher (head 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) for services to inclusion and cricket

Megan Jones (England international), for services to rugby union

Tara Jones (referee), for services to rugby league

Sadia Kabeya (England international), for services to rugby

James Keothavong (referee), for services to tennis and tennis refereeing

Ellie Kildunne (England international), for services to rugby union

Louise Kingsley (Performance Director, Great Britain Rowing Team), for services to the sport

David Laing (Chairman of the Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group) for services to sport

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Julia Lee (former women’s rugby league referee and advocate), for services to rugby league

Sarah Massey (CEO Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025), for services to women’s rugby union

Rhys McClenaghan (gymnast), for services to gymnastics

Dr Ritan Mehta (Chief Medical Officer and Team Physician, England Women’s Football Team), for services to football.

David Perks (athletics coach), for services to athletics

Kambiz Ramzan Ali (Taekwondo Master) for services to taekwondo and the community.

Toby Roberts (Olympic champion), for services to sport climbing

Georgia Stanway (England international), for services to football

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Ella Toone (English international), for services 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 Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy), for services to women’s gymnastics

Marie Wright (co-founder of Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy), for services to women’s gymnastics

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