Jamie’s double delight

JAMIE MURRAY had a double celebration yesterday when he was named in Great Britain’s tennis team for the Rio Olympics and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Murray will be joined in Rio by brother Andy — who will bid to defend the singles gold medal he won at London 2012 — as well as Johanna Konta and Heather Watson.

The Murrays will have a strong chance of a medal in the men’s doubles, with Jamie returning to world No 1 in the doubles rankings on Monday.

Jamie (right) received his award from the Queen after being a member of Britain’s successful 2015 Davis Cup team and for his charity work. Leon Smith, the team’s captain, was also awarded an OBE and said it was ‘ humbling’ to be recognised. England cricketers Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad were also honoured. Cook, who at 31 years and 157 days became the youngest player last month to score 10,000 Test runs, has received a CBE almost five years after being given the MBE for his performance in the 2010-11 Ashes series win in Australia. The England captain said: ‘It’s a hugely proud moment for me and my family. I also see this as recognition for my team-mates, my coaches and family and friends who have all helped me in my England career over the last 10 years.’

Broad, 29, who was the world No 1 Test bowler until recently replaced by team-mate James Anderson, has been made an MBE and said: ‘I’m obviously delighted and very proud. It is a lovely moment for my family too.’

Other awards included a CBE for Alan Shearer, the former England and Newcastle captain and now TV pundit, for charity work in the North East. He was made an OBE in 2001.

Retired jockey Hayley Turner, 33, the first woman to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in 2008, also gained an OBE and said it’s ‘ been really difficult trying to keep it a secret’.

Nigel Owens, regarded as the world’s top rugby union referee, was made an MBE and said: ‘It is a huge honour to be recognised in this way.’