Jonathan Rea now an MBE
Receives his award in a ceremony at Buckingham PalaceTriple world superbike champion Jonathan Rea has now added a few letters to his name – MBE.
Taking a day out from the WorldSBK test at Jerez this week, the 30-year-old from Northern Ireland was formally bestowed the honour – which means a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – at Buckingham Palace on November 21, recognising his outstanding achievement in the WorldSBK title.
The MBE ceremony was performed by the Duke of Cambridge, aka Prince William – a massive motorcycle fan.
Rea now joins a small list of fellow motorcycle racers to have their achievements acknowledged outside of the racing community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, including Carl Fogarty and Joey Dunlop.
"Prince William is a bit of a motorcycle fan himself, we talked about his bikes,” Rea told the BBC.
“I am very honoured to be invited here and receive an MBE. It's been more than a dream, more than I ever expected. To come here today it kind of really sinks in what I have achieved.”
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As well as the MBE accolade, Rea has also been nominated for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, and will go head to head with 11 other British sportsmen and women:
- Elise Christie - short track speed skating;
- Sir Mo Farah – athletics;
- Chris Froome – cycling;
- Lewis Hamilton - F1;
- Anthony Joshua – boxing;
- Harry Kane – football;
- Johanna Konta – tennis;
- Jonnie Peacock - Para-athletics;
- Adam Peaty – swimming;
- Anya Shrubsole – cricket; and
- Bianca Walkden - taekwondo.
Josh Surtees is the only motorcycle racing winner of the award, in 1959, while Barry Sheene finished third in 1977.
The 2017 winner will be announced on Sunday, December 17.
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