UK Sport is delighted to see so many past and present members of the Olympic and Paralympic family recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours List.
Former Olympian Donna Fraser becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Equality, Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace.
Having represented Team GB at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Donna currently holds the position of UK Athletics’ Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead and has been influential in driving change at UKA and beyond.
Also recognised is former Chair of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Kevin Aitchson, who has been awarded an MBE for his services to Wheelchair Rugby and to people with disabilities. Kevin was Chair at GBWR for over ten years, before stepping down in September of this year.
Former Olympian Katie Dodd has also been awarded an MBE for services to hockey following a near 40-year involvement with the game, while Emma Evans is also recognised for her tremendous services to Goalball which include coaching, playing and refereeing.
Meanwhile, Northern Irish duo Bill O’Hara and Rhys McClenagan have also been awarded an OBE and BEM respectively. Former Olympic sailor Bill O’Hara has been recognised for his long-standing services to sailing while Commonwealth and European pommel horse champion Rhys McClenagan has been credited for services to gymnastics.
Elsewhere, former Olympic rower David McGowan has been awarded an MBE for services to sport and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, while London 2012 alumni Anne Keothavong has also been presented an MBE for her services to tennis.
Finally, the British Olympic Association’s Director of Legal, Shahab Uddin, is recognised with an MBE for his services to sport during the Covid-19 response but also for the 10 years of service to British Olympic sport.
Huge congratulations to all those recognised, particularly in what has been an exceptionally difficult year for everybody in sport.