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The Daily Telegraph has reported that Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Storey and David Brailsford could all be up for knighthoods in the New Year Honours.
The newspaper goes as far as to suggest Wiggins has been notified of his place on the 2013 honours list, which is expected to see a number of olympians handed special recognition. Already holding a CBE, Wiggins would become a Sir, should he choose to adopt the new title.
Sarah Storey is also mentioned for a likely Damehood, having won four gold medals at the London Paralympics.
Chris Hoy was the last cyclist to be granted a knighthood back in 2008, having won three golds at the Beijing Olympics.
The Daily Mail points to an extract from Wiggins autobiography, My Time, suggesting that the cyclist may not accept the honour. In the book Wiggins states:
‘During the Games, there was speculation about whether I might end up with a knighthood in the same way that Sir Chris Hoy did after his great year. People asked me about it, so I did wonder whether I would accept it if it were to come my way.
‘The point is that I can never see myself being given a title like Sir Bradley Wiggins. I have never considered myself above anybody else. I have always struggled with hierarchy and status. I don’t know what it is – maybe just my upbringing, the area I’m from – but I’m quite happy to play second fiddle.
‘I understand my physical capabilities sometimes give me status but, when it’s all done and dusted, I struggle with that kind of thing. It’s not what happens to kids from Kilburn.’
