ParalympicsGB Rowers recognised in New Years Honours

Paralympic rowing champions Ellen Buttrick, Giedre Rakauskaite, Ollie Stanhope and Erin Kennedy (cox) have received MBEs in the 2022 New Year Honours List

Paralympic rowing champions Ellen Buttrick, Giedre Rakauskaite, Ollie Stanhope and Erin Kennedy (cox) have received MBEs in the 2022 New Year Honours List. The four Paralympic debutants won gold at this summer’s games with Rio 2016 gold medalist James Fox in the mixed coxed four (PR3 Mix 4+).

Together, the crew have enjoyed significant success, winning the world title in 2019, the 2021 European Championships and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics gold. They can all now add MBE to this list of accolades, with James Fox previously recognised after his 2016 success.

“I am delighted to be included in the New Year’s Honours List along with my wonderful team mates from the mixed coxed four. It is an unbelievable privilege.” said Erin Kennedy on hearing the news.

She added: “As the Games took place without spectators, we weren’t able to share the experience with our friends and family so it’s a real joy to be able to celebrate this honour with them over the festive period!”

The four athletes will now be invited to attend an investiture to receive their award later in 2022.