Sports Heroes Honoured: The Big Names Receiving New Year Knighthoods

Gareth Southgate and Gerald Davies are among the notable figures to be awarded knighthoods in the New Year Honours, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the world of sports.

Gareth Southgate, the current England national football team manager, has been instrumental in transforming the team's performance and leading them to several key victories, including reaching the finals of the 2020 European Championship. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to the sport have made him a beloved figure in English football.

Gerald Davies, a renowned former Welsh rugby player, has also been awarded a knighthood for his services to the sport. Davies is highly respected for his achievements on and off the field, including his role as a commentator, journalist, and rugby administrator.

In addition to these knighthoods, several other athletes have been recognized for their impressive achievements. Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her remarkable success in the world of para-athletics. With a total of nine gold medals, Cockroft is one of the most successful Paralympic athletes of all time.

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has also been awarded an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her incredible achievements in the world of athletics. Hodgkinson's impressive performance at the Olympic Games and other international competitions has made her a rising star in the sport.

These New Year Honours recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of these sports heroes, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for excellence in their respective fields.