British sporting icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been formally recognised in the New Year Honours list, receiving a damehood and knighthood respectively for their outstanding services to ice skating and voluntary work. Meanwhile, England women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood, acknowledging her transformative impact on English football.

The honours celebrate decades of excellence across British sport, with particular recognition for achievements in ice skating, football, rugby, gymnastics, athletics, and broadcasting.

Torvill and Dean Honoured for a Lifetime of Sporting Excellence

Torvill and Dean remain two of the most influential figures in the history of figure skating. Their legendary performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, set to Maurice Ravel’s Bolero, earned them gold medals and a remarkable 12 perfect scores, cementing their place in Olympic folklore.

The duo went on to become four-time world champions, claim four European titles, and add an Olympic bronze medal in 1994. Both were previously appointed MBEs in 1981 and OBEs in 2000, making their latest honours the culmination of nearly 50 years of partnership, which officially concluded following their final tour in July.

Reflecting on the recognition, Sir Christopher Dean described the honour as “wonderful and humbling,” while Dame Jayne Torvill said it marked the closing chapter of an extraordinary shared journey. The pair recalled the surreal nature of their Olympic triumph and the emotional reception they received upon returning to Nottingham, where they were greeted with a city-wide parade.

Sarina Wiegman Awarded Honorary Damehood After Lionesses Success

England women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman, a Dutch national, has been made an honorary dame following her historic success with the Lionesses. Under her leadership, England won back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022 and 2025, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant force in international football.

Wiegman described the honour as a reflection of the collective effort of her players and staff, praising the unity and values within the England setup. Since taking charge, she has earned widespread respect and admiration across the country for her leadership and commitment to excellence.

Lionesses Players Recognised in Honours List

Several members of England’s European Championship-winning squad also feature prominently in the New Year Honours. England captain Leah Williamson is appointed a CBE, having previously received an OBE in 2023. The 28-year-old also enjoyed club success by winning the Women’s Champions League with Arsenal in 2025.

Lionesses stars Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone are all named MBEs, recognising their contributions to England’s sustained success on the international stage.

England Rugby and Red Roses Celebrated

Members of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning Red Roses squad are also honoured. Head coach John Mitchell receives an OBE, alongside captain Zoe Stratford, for services to rugby union. Vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones are awarded OBE and MBE honours respectively, while Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne also become MBEs.

Kildunne described the moment she received the news as emotional and surreal, while Jones reflected on the significance of the award following a challenging personal year, expressing pride and gratitude for the support around her.

Wider Sporting Recognition Across the UK

Beyond football and rugby, the honours list highlights excellence across multiple sports:

• Rhys McClenaghan, Olympic gold medallist in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Games, receives an MBE.
• Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe is appointed an OBE for services to sport.
• Broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley are awarded OBEs for contributions to sports broadcasting and charity.
• Former England cricketer and broadcaster Isa Guha receives an MBE for inclusivity and cricket.
• Former Tottenham Hotspur executive chairman Daniel Levy is appointed a CBE for services to charity and community work.
• Trailblazing former England footballer Kerry Davis, the first black woman to represent England, is made an MBE.
• Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies is awarded a CBE for his work with the Velindre Cancer Care Trust.

Celebrating Sporting Impact Beyond the Field

The New Year Honours list reflects not only athletic success but also leadership, inclusivity, community service, and long-term contribution to sport. From Olympic champions and football pioneers to broadcasters and administrators, the awards highlight how sport continues to shape culture and inspire communities across the UK and beyond.