Louis Smith could not be prouder after receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours
Gymnast Louis Smith says receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours is the proudest moment of his life.
Last Updated: 29/12/12 3:45am
Smith who won a silver medal on the pommel horse at London 2012, and a bronze in the men's team competition, and he was one of few athletes who did not win a gold medal to be rewarded in the New Year Honours.
"To receive this honour is out of this world and something I never would have dreamt of as I grew up in the sport of gymnastics," said Smith. "This year has been like no other for so many reasons.
"For me it's obviously one I'll never forget and I wasn't sure it could get any better but to be awarded an MBE is the icing on the cake and without a doubt the proudest moment of my life.
"I'm honoured to be alongside so many other incredible sports people on the list. I just hope this acts as even more inspiration for future generations within sport in this country, further continuing the Olympic legacy.
"As always my thanks has to go out to the British public for the unrelenting support throughout 2012 and in the years leading up to the Olympic Games. None of this would have been possible without it. What a year."
There were MBEs for victorious canoe slalom pair Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott, and Ed McKeever who won the K1 canoe sprint at Eton Dorney.
Alistair Brownlee, who won the men's triathlon after a lengthy battle with his brother Jonathan, was also awarded an MBE along with taekwondo star Jade Jones, who won Britain's first gold in the history of her sport.
Rounding out the list was Peter Wilson, who was the youngest competitor in the men's double trap shooting event but still came out on top after a nail-biting final at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.
