CBE tops the lot for Olympic cycling star Laura

FOUR-TIME OLYMPIC champion Laura Kenny has claimed it was a “huge honour” to be made a CBE alongside her husband Jason during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The 25-year-old cyclist, who is expecting her first child, said: “I almost feel like I don’t deserve it – there’s service people and it’s such a huge honour, but I feel like all I do is ride a bike.”

She said “nothing compares” to being given the award, despite announcing her pregnancy, getting married and winning two Olympic gold medals in the last 12 months.

Mrs Kenny said she was still “doing bits and bobs – I’m doing about two hours of exercise a day” but admitted that she was enjoying having some time off from training.

Mr Kenny, who was also made a CBE for his services to cycling, described the day as “mega”, and said he was still considering whether to aim for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Meanwhile, five Olympic rowers who won gold in the men’s eight at Rio were also honoured at the ceremony.

Leeds-born Paul Bennett, 28, Scott Durant, 29, Matthew Gotrel, 28, and cox Phelan Hill, 37, were made MBEs, while crewmate Lieutenant Pete Reed received an OBE.

Speaking after the ceremony, three-time Olympic gold medallist Lt Reed said: “It’s an honour beyond anything.”

Showjumping champion Nick Skelton said he is “proud” of what he has done for his sport and the country over seven Olympic Games as he was made a CBE. The 59-year-old, who announced his retirement earlier this month, sported a black eye from a fall when he received the honour at Buckingham Palace from fellow horse rider the Princess Royal. Mr Skelton said it was not a sports-related injury.