Swimmer Adam Peaty and golfer Justin Rose, who both won gold at the Rio Olympics, have spoken of their pride at collecting their MBEs at Buckingham Palace.
Peaty, 22, who smashed his own 100m breaststroke world record to kick off Team GB’s gold medal rush in Brazil, and Rose, who is known as the gentleman of golf, received their honours from the Duke of Cambridge.
Peaty, of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, who has a full house of Commonwealth, European and Olympic titles, said: “You win all these gold medals and stuff but to actually have this recognition is something that you cannot really race people for – it is just something a little bit different.
Meeting the Duke of Cambridge. (Jonathan Brady/PA)
“This is all something that I have wanted since I was a kid. I wanted to be able to represent my country and now there is this recognition from the royal Family. I am a very patriotic person.”
The swimmer said he felt “a little bit nervous” because of the trip to the Palace and that it “is a little unusual” for him.
He said: “The thing is I am used to having crowds and thousands of people around me cheering me on. This was very different and so formal.”
The two Olympians. (Yui Mok/PA)
He also believes it is just a matter of time before he becomes the first man in the world to break the 57-second barrier in the 100m.
He said: “It will definitely happen, it is just when and where we chose to do it I guess. I am looking forward to the day when it comes.”
He became the first man to dip under 26 seconds, finishing in 25.95s on his way to retaining his World Championship 50m title.
After collecting his honour, Rose said it will “sit in pride of place with my other trophies”.
The 37-year-old, who won the US Open in 2013, said that “to be awarded an MBE is something you take with great pride”.
The 2016 Olympic title had been a key aim for Rose. It was the first time golf had officially featured in the Games since 1904.