Brendan Foster – former Olympic medal winner and iconic voice of UK athletics – knighted in Queen’s Birthday Honours list
- Brendan Foster founded the Great North Run and has raised millions for charity
- He went into broadcasting and became the iconic voice of UK athletics
- Former Welsh rugby Union coach Warren Gatland has been awarded a CBE
- Welsh international Lock Forward Alun Wyn Jones has been made an OBE
Brendan Foster, one of the leading figures in British athletics and broadcasting who has raised millions for charity through the Great North Run, has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The 72-year-old won 10,000m bronze at the 1976 Olympics before becoming a commentator for the BBC’s athletics coverage between 1980 and his retirement in 2017.
He also founded the Great North Run in 1981, which is now the biggest half marathon in the world. ‘It is a real privilege to receive this honour,’ said Foster. ‘I’ve been lucky enough to spend my whole life doing something that I’ve loved from childhood; participating, sharing my enthusiasm through broadcasting and encouraging thousands to run for pleasure.’
Former Olympic bronze medalist Brendan Foster with the CBE he was awarded in 2008
Rugby union coach Warren Gatland has been awarded a CBE for services to the sport in Wales.
The New Zealander, 57, stepped down after 12 years at the helm of the Welsh team following the 2019 World Cup in Japan, where his side made the last four.
‘This award is recognition of everyone involved in Welsh rugby and all that we achieved together during my time as head coach,’ said Gatland.
Warren Gatland was the Head Coach of Welsh rugby union team from 2007-2019
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has been made an OBE.
The 35-year-old lock is on course to match and surpass the record of New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw for most Test appearances later this month, which stands at 148.
Former Lions captain and Wales full back Gareth Thomas has been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health.
Alun Wyn Jones started his international career with Wales in 2006 and now has 138 caps
Reanne Evans, the 12-time women’s world snooker champion is the recipient of an MBE. Great Britain Winter Olympian Eve Muirhead, 30, has been awarded an MBE for services to curling.
Former England cricketer Darren Gough has been made an MBE for his work in the sport and charity.
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace has been honoured with a British Empire Medal for services to football and the community.
Former Wales star Gareth Thomas played in 100 matches for his national side from 1995-2007