- Ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean received damehood and knighthood for services to ice skating and voluntary work.
- Sarina Wiegman, England’s women’s football manager, awarded honorary damehood after leading Lionesses to back-to-back Euros titles in 2022 and 2025.
- Lionesses captain Leah Williamson upgraded to CBE; players Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone made MBEs.
- England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup winners recognised, including John Mitchell and Zoe Aldcroft (OBEs).
Torvill and Dean: A Fitting Culmination
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the iconic ice dancing duo, headline the 2026 New Year Honours with damehood and knighthood. Their 1984 Sarajevo Olympic gold—perfect scores for Bolero—remains one of Britain’s most watched sporting moments.
Four-time world champions and 1994 Olympic bronze medallists, they closed their professional partnership with a 2025 farewell tour. “The timing feels perfect,” Torvill reflected, Dean adding humility at the recognition after 50 years together.
Honours acknowledge skating contributions and voluntary efforts.
Wiegman and Lionesses Celebrated
Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach guiding England to Euros triumphs in 2022 (home soil) and 2025 (Switzerland), receives an honorary damehood. “I could never have imagined the respect and warmth,” she said, crediting players and staff.
Captain Leah Williamson earns CBE upgrade (from 2023 OBE), with Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, and Toone appointed MBEs for services to football.
Red Roses Recognised for World Cup Glory
England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup winners feature prominently. Head coach John Mitchell (New Zealander) and captain Zoe Aldcroft receive OBEs; Marlie Packer (vice-captain) also OBE.
Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne become MBEs. Tournament chair Gill Whitehead and managing director Sarah Massey honoured for organisational success.
Other Notable Sports Honours
- Rhys McClenaghan (MBE): Pommel horse Olympic gold (Paris 2024).
- Paula Radcliffe (OBE): Services to sport.
- Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley (OBEs): Broadcasting and charity.
- Isa Guha (MBE): Inclusivity and cricket.
- Daniel Levy (CBE): Charity and Tottenham community (former chairman).
| Key Sports Honours 2026 |
|---|
| Knighthood: Christopher Dean |
| Damehood: Jayne Torvill |
| Honorary Damehood: Sarina Wiegman |
| CBE: Leah Williamson, Daniel Levy |
| OBE: John Mitchell, Zoe Aldcroft, Marlie Packer |
| MBE: Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Ellie Kildunne |
The 2026 New Year Honours celebrate remarkable sporting achievements, led by ice skating icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. Their damehood and knighthood honour a legacy spanning Olympic gold, world titles, and voluntary contributions.
Torvill and Dean’s Bolero routine captivated millions, defining 1984 Sarajevo. Post-retirement tour in 2025, this recognition marks a “perfect” end.
Sarina Wiegman’s honorary damehood rewards tactical brilliance: back-to-back Euros wins, first major trophy abroad for England women.
Lionesses players—Williamson (CBE), Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, Toone (MBEs)—earn individual acclaim for collective success.
Red Roses’ World Cup triumph yields multiple awards: Mitchell/Aldcroft/Packer OBEs, Jones/Kabeya/Kildunne MBEs. Organisers Whitehead/Massey recognised for record-breaking event.
Broader honours include McClenaghan’s gymnastics gold, Radcliffe’s athletics legacy, broadcasters Logan/Tyldesley, Guha’s inclusivity work.
This list highlights women’s sport dominance in 2025: Euros defence, World Cup victory.
Honours reflect dedication, inspiration, community impact. Recipients embody excellence across eras and disciplines.
