Athletics and running stars recognised in the King's New Year Honours List

England Athletics is delighted to share that Paula Radcliffe and Joe Appiah have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours List.

Paula Radcliffe OBE

A legend of British endurance running, Paula Radcliffe has been awarded an OBE for her services to Sport. Now a stalwart of British commentary, Radcliffe's outstanding marathon record of 2:15:25 stood for 16 years until it was broken in 2019. Paula still stands as the last British woman to win the London Marathon after her victories in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Her athletic accolades didn't stop at the marathon, claiming World, European and Commonwealth medals across 10,000m, 5000m and cross country.

Speaking about her award, Paula told us:

"This recognition is a huge honour to me and means a great deal. It was a privilege every time I represented my country around the world and meant a great deal to me to be a part of the amazing sport of athletics that brings so many people together.

"Sport has a power to transcend differences and bring people together and I am privileged to be a part of that community. To see others discovering the joy that it can bring is something very special. There are so many people who supported me and continue to do so, this recognition is also for them."

Joe Appiah MBE

Also celebrated in the New Year Honours was Joe Appiah, multiple-time European and World Masters champion. Joe received an MBE for services to Sport, to Public Health and Public Service. A former semi-professional footballer, Joe has always had exceptional raw speed, but it wasn't until winning a work sports day that he decided to give athletics a go at Kent AC under the guidance of coach, Larry Garnham.

A real man of the sport, Joe has served on Kent AC's committee, been assistant team manager, a coach and also an official all whilst working a demanding job as a Civil Servant and supporting Prostate Cancer UK. In addition, Joe currently volunteers for Inspiring The Future, delivering career journey talks in schools, and pre-pandemic was a Business Advocate for Young Enterprise supporting sixth form students through their journey in starting up a business.

Across his athletics career to date, he has won an astounding nine world individual gold medals in the sprint hurdles, as well as being the current M50 world record holder across the 60m hurdles and 100m hurdles.

Speaking on receiving his MBE, Joe said:

"I am extremely proud. To be recognised for helping others, is truly overwhelming and humbling. 

"Arriving in the UK from Ghana when l was nearly 15 years old, growing up in a council estate, being bullied at school and in my area for my deepest African accent and the way l looked. I left school with limited qualifications and with over 100 unsuccessful admin/filing job applications as a 17-year-old boy. Nobody gave me a chance.

"My first job was cleaning my local church floors before working as a post delivery and messenger in the city. Sports gave me confidence and a platform to shine. I am absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for my resilience, determination, consistency and positivity in everything l do. Keep believing, keep working hard, dreams do come true. I am delighted to be recognised for health awareness, sports achievements and 36+ years in the civil service performing various roles."

There were other notable figures from the athletics world recognised too including:

• Gabby Logan - OBE for services to Sports and Broadcasting
• Steve Perks (coach and Chair of Welsh Athletics) - MBE for services to Athletics
• Frances Collins (Non-Executive Director for UK Anti-Doping) - MBE for services to Sport
• Vicci Wells (Director of Sport for Youth Sport Trust and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Running) - OBE for services to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities