Chris Hoy recommended for a Knighthood

Posted: Sunday 21st December 2008 | 23:05

CHRIS Hoy has been recommended for a knighthood in the New Year honours list, according to newspaper reports.

ARISE SIR CHRISTOPHER: Chris Hoy could be preparing for a date at the Palace, according to the Sunday Times (Getty Images)

Hoy - who became the first British Olympian to win three golds at a single Games since 1908 - has been showered with awards since his return from Beijing, including last week's BBC Sports Personality prize.

The man himself has stayed admirably humble through furore - laughing off Knighthood suggestions when team-mate Bradley Wiggins started campaigning for some formal recognition.

"It's got to be Sir Chris, hasn't it? The guy is a legend," said Wiggins, himself a three-time Olympic gold medallist.

"We've got some exceptional men and women on the team but Chris did the business. It would be a knighthood for the whole of British cycling."

In keeping with recent tradition, all gold medalists are expected to receive MBE's - while Rebecca Adlington, who won two golds and became the first British woman swimmer to win an Olympic title in 48 years, has been recommended for an OBE.

Team-mate Cassie Patten had famously urged ‘Make this girl a Dame' after her double medal haul equalled the achievement of Kelly Holmes, now Dame Kelly, at the Athens Olympics four years ago. But at 19, Adlington still has time on her side.

Steve Redgrave was knighted after winning his fifth rowing gold in Sydney while Matthew Pinsent - a winner of four golds in four Games - was only knighted following his retirement in 2004.

Simon Clegg CBE, the chef de mission and chief executive of the BOA during the Beijing Games who has left the BOA with immediate effect, has also been touted for another honour.

Recommendations for honours are made by Downing Street's sports advisory committee.

EXTERNAL LINK: Hoy to be named first cycling knight