Relive beijing

Arise Sir Chris – Knighthood for cyclist Hoy

Published

4 weeks ago

13 de February de 2025

James Cartwright

Relive BeijingSummer Sports

Posted: Wednesday 31st December 2008 | 1:55

CHRIS Hoy has been awarded a Knighthood in the New Years Honours list – one of many Olympians and Paralympians to be recognised.

Sir Christopher Hoy - Olympic cyclist is honoured with a Knighthood
STUNNED: Chris Hoy receives a Knighthood in the New Years Honours list for his three gold medal haul in Beijing (Getty Images)

Hoy – who became the first British Olympian to win three golds at a single Games since 1908 – was widely tipped to become the first British Olympian to be knighted since Steve Redgrave in 2000.

“I was stunned when I first found out and the news is still sinking in. I’m not sure if I will ever get used to people calling me Sir Chris!” said Hoy, who received an MBE after winning his first Olympic gold in Athens four years ago.

“However, my family and girlfriend will have to call me Sir from now, I’m going to enforce that!”

RELATED: Double gold medallist Adlington awarded OBE

RELATED: Paralympic teenager Simmonds awarded MBE

Hoy’s mother, Carol, was also recognised, receiving an MBE for her services to healthcare – meaning a double family celebration.

However, trips to the Palace are not new in the family, Hoy’s grandmother, Isa Reid, was made an MBE in 1989 for her work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“I was as delighted with my mum getting her MBE as I was with my knighthood,” he added.

“For cycling, it’s a big deal. I always try to do what I can to promote my sport because I think it’s a great thing to do.

“It’s great for kids or for anybody to do at any level whether it’s elite level or just doing it for fun.”

RELATED: Chris Hoy recommended for a Knighthood

Hoy’s award was praised by team-mate Bradley Wiggins – who took his Olympic career medal tally to three golds with a double haul in Beijing. Wiggins also saw his OBE upgraded to a CBE.

“It’s a totally deserved award – Chris is a total legend,” he said.

“He did the business in Beijing and has deserved all the praise he’s received since coming home but he still hasn’t changed and is still the same bloke. It’s an award for the whole of British Cycling.”

EXTERNAL LINK: BBC Blogs – How Chris Hoy’s life turned upside down

Relive beijing

Top sport coaches recognised with CBEs

Published

4 weeks ago

13 de February de 2025

James Cartwright

TOP British coaches David Tanner and David Brailsford have dedicated their New Years Honours to their staff and athletes.

British Cycling's David Brailsford is awarded a CBE
HONOURED: British Cycling’s David Brailsford has revolutionised British success in the sport and has been hailed as inspired by his athletes (Getty Images)

Tanner, GB Rowing’s Performance Director, and Brailsford, the mastermind behind the success of British Cycling, were both awarded CBEs.

Britain finished top of the medal table in the Olympics and Paralympics in both sports in Beijing.

“This reflects the incredible team that we have working within GB Rowing as well as the achievements of our leading athletes,” said Tanner.

“I am privileged to have been awarded this honour on behalf of my sport.”

RELATED: Arise Sir Chris – Knighthood for cyclist Hoy

Chris Hoy was awarded a Knighthood in the list while Bradley Wiggins was awarded a CBE and there were MBEs for every gold medallist.

“Everybody in our team dedicate their lives to the pursuit of a dream – to win a gold medal,” said Brailsford.

“When they do get recognised in this way it is breathtaking and a fantastic honour.

“It is a great achievement for cycling, and a great opportunity to improve cycling at the grass-root level.”

RELATED: Cycling chief heaps praise on ‘Hoycules’