Sarah Stevenson Receives MBE
Sunday 1st January 2012
Twelve months in which she experienced soaring career triumphs and tragic personal loss have ended with a happy twist for Sarah Stevenson after she was awarded an MBE.
The 28-year-old taekwondo world champion may not have made the all-male shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year, but is among an assortment of sporting figures recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
She won the world title in May but also had to contend with losing her mother and father, Diana and Ray, to cancer, meaning that the pre-Olympic year is one she will always remember.
‘It’s fantastic to be recognised for the hard work I have put into taekwondo
for the past 21 years,’ said Doncaster-born Stevenson. ‘I know my parents would have been so proud of this award. It’s also a boost for the sport in this county and I am proud to be an ambassador for taekwondo.’