Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been recognised in the New Year Honours, with Torvill receiving a damehood and Dean a knighthood for services to ice skating and the voluntary sector. England women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame.
The legendary ice dancing duo won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo with their iconic Bolero routine, achieving perfect scores. Across their careers, they secured four world titles, four European crowns and an Olympic bronze medal in 1994.
Legacy of Olympic icons
Torvill and Dean described the honours as the culmination of nearly 50 years together on the ice. Reflecting on their Olympic triumph, they said the scale of their achievement only truly sank in after returning home to Nottingham, where thousands lined the streets to celebrate, according to BBC Sport.
Wiegman’s impact on English football
Wiegman, a Dutch national, received the honorary damehood after leading England to back-to-back Women’s European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025. She said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of her players and staff, highlighting the culture built within the team, as quoted by BBC Sport.
Honours across women’s sport
Several England players were also recognised. Captain Leah Williamson was appointed a CBE, while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone were named MBEs. Members of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning Red Roses squad also featured prominently, according to official honours data released by the UK government.
Wider sporting recognition
Beyond football and rugby, gymnast Rhys McClenaghan was awarded an MBE after winning Olympic gold for Ireland in Paris 2024. Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe, broadcaster Gabby Logan and former cricketer Isa Guha were also honoured, based on the published New Year Honours list.
The New Year Honours recognise contributions across British sport, celebrating both elite performance and long-term service to communities and development.
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