Queen Elizabeth II: 10 successful sportswomen honoured by the monarch

The world paid their respects on Monday as Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, was laid to rest.

During her 70 years on the throne, the Queen honoured many individuals for their services to sport.

We have looked at 10 of the trailblazing sportswomen to receive an official title under her reign.

When was she honoured?

Jessica Ennis-Hill was made an MBE in 2011 in recognition of her sporting achievements.

She received a CBE for her services to athletics in 2012 and was made a dame in the 2016 New Year Honours.

What did she achieve?

Throughout her decorated career, Ennis-Hill won an Olympic gold and silver medal, a European Championship title, and was a three-time World Champion in the heptathlon.

She also won gold and silver in the pentathlon at the World Indoor Championships.

When was she honoured?

Kelly Holmes was awarded an MBE in 1998 after serving more than ten years in the British Army, and was made a dame for her services to athletics in 2005.

What did she achieve?

Holmes started training in athletics when she was 12 years of age but turned her attention away when she joined the army at 18.

She served until 1997, when increased funding allowed her to pursue a career as a full-time athlete.

During her track career, Holmes won two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, winning the 800m and 1500m events. She also won two Commonwealth gold medals and held the British 800m record until 2021.

When was she honoured?

Laura Kenny was awarded an OBE in 2016 and a CBE the following year for her services to cycling.

In the 2022 New Year Honours, she was made a dame alongside her husband Jason, who was knighted.

What did she achieve?

Kenny is the most successful female cyclist and most