Arise Sir Chris – Knighthood for cyclist Hoy

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Posted: Wednesday 31st December 2008 | 1:55

CHRIS Hoy has been awarded a Knighthood in the New Years Honours list – one of many Olympians and Paralympians to be recognised.

STUNNED: Chris Hoy receives a Knighthood in the New Years Honours list for his three gold medal haul in Beijing (Getty Images)

Hoy – who became the first British Olympian to win three golds at a single Games since 1908 – was widely tipped to become the first British Olympian to be knighted since Steve Redgrave in 2000.

“I was stunned when I first found out and the news is still sinking in. I’m not sure if I will ever get used to people calling me Sir Chris!” said Hoy, who received an MBE after winning his first Olympic gold in Athens four years ago.

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“However, my family and girlfriend will have to call me Sir from now, I’m going to enforce that!”

RELATED: Double gold medallist Adlington awarded OBE

RELATED: Paralympic teenager Simmonds awarded MBE

Hoy’s mother, Carol, was also recognised, receiving an MBE for her services to healthcare – meaning a double family celebration.

However, trips to the Palace are not new in the family, Hoy’s grandmother, Isa Reid, was made an MBE in 1989 for her work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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“I was as delighted with my mum getting her MBE as I was with my knighthood,” he added.

“For cycling, it’s a big deal. I always try to do what I can to promote my sport because I think it’s a great thing to do.

“It’s great for kids or for anybody to do at any level whether it’s elite level or just doing it for fun.”

RELATED: Chris Hoy recommended for a Knighthood

Hoy’s award was praised by team-mate Bradley Wiggins – who took his Olympic career medal tally to three golds with a double haul in Beijing. Wiggins also saw his OBE upgraded to a CBE.

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“It’s a totally deserved award – Chris is a total legend,” he said.

“He did the business in Beijing and has deserved all the praise he’s received since coming home but he still hasn’t changed and is still the same bloke. It’s an award for the whole of British Cycling.”

EXTERNAL LINK: BBC Blogs – How Chris Hoy’s life turned upside down

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