Celebrated Athletes: 10 Sports Legends Who Have Received a Knighthood
Honoring Excellence: Knighthoods in the World of Sports
For athletes throughout the United Kingdom, achieving a knighthood is one of the highest recognitions for their services and accomplishments in sports. This prestigious honor, awarded by the British monarchy, is bestowed upon both men and women across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, from football and tennis to sailing and athletics.
Below, discover ten illustrious sports figures who have been knighted, each earning the distinguished titles of ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’ for their extraordinary contributions to sport.
Sir Andy Murray: Tennis Champion and National Icon
No conversation about British sports legends is complete without mentioning Andy Murray, widely regarded as the United Kingdom’s greatest tennis player. Murray has an impressive record that includes two Wimbledon championships, a US Open title, two Olympic gold medals, and a central role in Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup win.
He was honored with a knighthood in 2017. Subsequently, Murray faced significant injury setbacks, briefly considering retirement, but has staged an inspiring return to the sport, cementing his legacy both on and off the court.
Sir Alex Ferguson: A Football Managerial Legend
As the mastermind behind Manchester United’s golden era, Sir Alex Ferguson set new benchmarks in English football. He guided his team to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League victories, and five FA Cups. Ferguson was knighted in 1999, shortly after United’s dramatic Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich.
Ferguson retired from football management in 2013 and has contributed to academia and literature since, while United’s subsequent struggles only highlight the impact he made during his tenure.
Dame Ellen MacArthur: Breaking Records on the High Seas
Dame Ellen MacArthur has set herself apart as one of Britain’s most accomplished sailors. Her most celebrated feat was a solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, during which she set a new world record. Although the record has since been surpassed, her achievement remains legendary.
MacArthur received her damehood in 2005 and was later recognized by France’s Legion of Honour in 2008. Having retired from competitive sailing, she now leads the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, committed to shaping a more sustainable, circular economy.
Sir Mo Farah: Dominating the Track and Beyond
A true icon in long-distance running, Sir Mo Farah is celebrated for his remarkable double gold medal performances in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. He boasts a collection of World Championship titles as well.
In 2017, Farah was knighted for his services to athletics. He continues his athletic journey by transitioning to marathon running, achieving new milestones as recently as 2021.
Sir Alastair Cook: Cricket’s Reliable Run-Scorer
Sir Alastair Cook is lauded as one of the finest opening batsmen in cricket history. Over his illustrious Test career, he played 161 matches, amassed an average of 45.35, and currently ranks fifth on the all-time list of Test run scorers.
Cook captained the English team for a record 59 Test matches before retiring from international cricket in 2018. He continues to play for Essex and was knighted in 2019 for his services to the sport.
Sir Steve Redgrave: Rowing’s Olympic Powerhouse
When discussing Britain’s most decorated Olympians, Sir Steve Redgrave’s name inevitably comes up. Across five Olympic Games (1984–2000), Redgrave claimed five gold medals, making him the world’s most successful Olympic rower and one of Britain’s greatest sports figures.
He received a knighthood in 2001 and was subsequently named among BBC’s 100 greatest British heroes of all time. Redgrave’s impact extends beyond rowing, with numerous honors for his lifetime achievements.
Sir Edmund Hillary: Reaching the Peak of Human Endeavor
New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary earned his knighthood after, alongside Tenzing Norgay, he became the first person to summit Mount Everest in 1953. Hillary later reached both the North and South Poles, cementing his place as one of the preeminent explorers and adventure athletes of the 20th century.
He founded the Himalayan Trust to support Sherpa communities in Nepal. Upon his passing in 2008, Hillary was honored with a state funeral in New Zealand.
Baroness Grey-Thompson: A Wheelchair Racing Trailblazer
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson stands as one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians. During her illustrious athletic tenure, she captured 16 Paralympic medals—11 of them gold—and 13 World Championship medals, in addition to winning the London Marathon six times.
Knighted in 2005, she was later elevated to the House of Lords as a Baroness in 2010 and now plays an influential role in higher education and public service.
Sir Bradley Wiggins: Pioneering British Cycling
Sir Bradley Wiggins has become synonymous with the modern success of British cycling. His illustrious career includes five Olympic golds, seven world championship titles on the track, and a gold medal in the 2014 UCI Road World Championships time trial.
Wiggins’ landmark accomplishment was becoming the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France in 2012, a feat followed by a golden era for UK cycling. He was knighted in 2013 before retiring from competition in 2016.
Sir Nick Faldo: Leading the Greens in World Golf
Sir Nick Faldo achieved global fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning The Open Championship and The Masters three times each. He also holds the distinction of scoring more Ryder Cup points than anyone in the tournament’s history.
Awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1989, Faldo captained the European Ryder Cup team in 2008 and was knighted in 2009 for his outstanding contributions to golf.
Knighthood Beyond Britain: International Recipients
While knighthoods are a hallmark of British honor, non-British citizens can also receive the distinction. With approval from the reigning monarch, individuals from other countries—including Americans like George Bush, Bill Gates, and Angelina Jolie—have been awarded honorary knighthoods, recognizing their global contributions.
Conclusion
From conquering tennis courts and football pitches to scaling the highest peaks and crossing oceans, these ten sports stars exemplify dedication, resilience, and achievement. Their knighthoods stand as a testament to their extraordinary influence—both within their respective sports and in the broader fabric of society.
