Victoria Pendleton received a CBE from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth yesterday (26.03.13).
The Olympic track cyclist was given the distinction of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London following her success at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she earned a gold medal in the keirin event.
Victoria, who was accompanied by her fiancé Scott Gardner, said before the event: ”I’m really excited to be here, I feel very, very proud to be receiving this award. I’m really, really looking forward to it.”
The 32-year-old sports star – who retired following last year’s Olympics – was previously appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009, and now holds a higher distinction.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney, who created the official kit for Team GB, was also honored by the queen for her services to fashion with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).
She said: ”I feel really proud and really excited and honored to be here.”
Other Olympic stars to earn distinctions included gold medal winning triathlete Alistair Brownlee, as well as Paralympians Nigel Murray and Josef Craig, who all earned MBEs.