Knighthoods for Murray and Farah

London, December 31

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Andy Murray received a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list yesterday, recognition from the monarch for reaching the pinnacle of tennis by winning his second Wimbledon and Olympics titles on his way to topping the rankings.

The 29-year-old was previously named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 after becoming Olympics champion for the first time.

Joining Murray in being knighted is Mo Farah, who retained his 5,000m and 10,000m titles at the Rio Olympics, becoming the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympics gold medals.

“I’m so happy to be awarded this incredible honour from the country that has been my home since I moved here at the age of eight,” Farah said. 

Lee Pearson, who won his 11th Paralympics gold in equestrian in Rio, was also knighted. 

Damehoods went to heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill and rower Katherine Grainger, who both retired from competitive action following the Rio Olympics.

Ennis-Hill added silver in Rio to her gold at London, as did Grainger. — AP