Honouring England’s Leading Women Athletes in teh New Year Awards

England Lionesses and Red Roses Celebrate National Recognition

The England Lionesses and Red Roses have been celebrated in the latest New Year Honours, acknowledging their extraordinary accomplishments throughout 2025. Both squads clinched prestigious titles, reinforcing their dominance within women’s sports on the global stage.

Sarina Wiegman Awarded Damehood for Football Excellence

Since taking charge of the England women’s football team in late 2021, Sarina Wiegman has led the Lionesses to defend their European Championship title successfully. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was honoured with a damehood. Reflecting on her journey, Wiegman shared: “The warmth and unwavering support from fans across England has been beyond anything I imagined when I first arrived.”

Outstanding Players Receive Prestigious Honours

Leah Williamson, captain of the Lionesses, was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her inspiring leadership. additionally,four key players-Alex Greenwood,Georgia Stanway,Ella Toone,and keira Walsh-each received member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) awards for their vital roles in securing back-to-back European titles.

Red Roses’ Rugby World Cup triumph Celebrated with National Awards

The Red Roses’ victorious run at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup earned critically important national honours.Captain Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft), who lifted the trophy after a gripping final against Canada, along with teammate Marlie packer and head coach John Mitchell were all appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

• Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne were also recognised with MBEs for their essential contributions throughout England’s championship campaign.

“Sharing this honor with my incredible teammates is truly humbling,” said Stratford. “This award belongs to everyone who supported us during an unforgettable season.”

Coach John Mitchell highlighted that his OBE symbolises collective effort: “This accolade reflects not just my work but every player and staff member who made our success possible.”

Pioneers Across Sports Receive Well-Deserved Accolades

Kerry Davis made history as England’s first black woman international footballer back in 1982; she was awarded an MBE celebrating her trailblazing career spanning over sixteen years with ninety caps.

The honours also extended beyond athletes to influential sports executives such as Daniel Levy and Fergus McCann-former chairmen at Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic respectively-who were named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) for their transformative contributions off-field.

A Legendary Ice Skating Pair Recognised After Decades-Long Impact

Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean received damehood and knighthood respectively for services to ice skating alongside charitable efforts. Their accolades come nearly forty years after delivering one of figure skating’s most memorable Olympic performances by winning gold at Sarajevo in 1984.

Dame Jayne reflected on concluding their final tour: “It feels like perfect timing-we had an incredible experience finishing on our own terms.” Sir christopher added: “After fifty years touring together it truly marks a remarkable chapter closed.”

Diverse Sporting Figures Earn Top Distinctions This Year

• Paula Radcliffe:, former world marathon champion turned broadcaster based in monaco received an OBE recognising her ongoing influence within athletics.

• Broadcasters Gabby Logan & Clive Tyldesley:, both awarded OBEs honoring outstanding services to sports media alongside charitable initiatives.

• Isa Guha:,ex-England cricketer turned commentator gained MBE status due to dedicated efforts promoting inclusivity across cricket communities nationwide.

Younger Champions Mark Historic Achievements With MBEs

• Toby Roberts secured Great Britain’s inaugural Olympic gold medal in sport climbing during Paris 2024;

• Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan became a two-time world gymnastics champion by winning pommel horse gold-the nation’s first-ever Olympic gymnastics medalist-in Paris last year;

Both athletes were recognised with MBEs highlighting emerging talent shaping Europe’s future sporting landscape.