The 32-year-old Londoner will become Sir Bradley Wiggins after becoming the first British winner of the Tour de France and claiming the Olympic gold in the time trial.

Sailor Ben Ainslie also receives a knighthood after the 35-year-old from Macclesfield won a record fourth Olympic gold medal at London 2012.

There are further knighthoods for British Cycling performance director and Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford after his team's Tour de France and Olympic exploits and for British Rowing performance director David Tanner, who helped Britain dominate the London 2012 competition at Eton Dorney.

Paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey is made a Dame after she won four gold medals at London 2012 to become Britain's most decorated female Paralympian.

"I never ever imagined that I would ever become a knight so it's an incredible honour but there's a slight element of disbelief, and it will take a while to sink in," said Sir Bradley.

"It's not something I'll use on a daily basis but it's nice to have in the trophy cabinet as the ultimate accolade as a sportsman, being knighted by your country for not only the success this year but 12 years now of consistent work and performing - four Olympic Games, seven medals.

"It's more the recognition of that, so it's fantastic."


I can't believe the number of times we've said this year, 'Oh, can 2012 possibly get any better?'," said Dame Sarah, who recently announced that her and husband Barney are expecting their first child.

"We feel so fortunate that 2012 will always stand out as being the most incredible year."

Mo Farah becomes a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) after he won the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at London 2012 as does Jessica Ennis, who won the Olympic heptathlon.

There are also CBEs for Paralympic wheelchair racing star David Weir, who four gold medals at London 2012, for cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who won Olympic kerin gold, and for rower Katherine Grainger, who won Olympic double sculls gold after three consecutive silver medals.

Cyclist Laura Trott, tennis player Andy Murray, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin and Paralympic equestrian star Sophie Christiansen all receive an Order of the British Empire (OBE's) after their gold medal winning performances at London 2012.

All of Britain's other Olympic and Paralympic champions are honoured with the Member of the British Empire (MBE).

London 2012 officials have also been honoured with chairman Sebastian Coe - who was already a Lord - being awarded a Companion of Honour.

Founded by King George V in June 1917, the award is one of the most exclusive in British society as it consists of the Sovereign, plus no more than 65 Companions of Honour, with, originally, a quota of 45 members for the United Kingdom, seven for Australia, two for New Zealand, and 11 for other Commonwealth realms.

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton will be knighted - having already been made a Lord earlier in the year so he could join the Government - while London 2012 deputy chairman Sir Keith Mills will receive a Knight Grand Cross (GBE).


There are CBE's for London 2012 director of sport Debbie Jevans and for Cultural Olympiad director Ruth MacKenzie.

In addition, there is an OBE for the London 2012 director of communications Jackie Brock-Doyle.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has led the praise.

"The success of the London 2012 Games was not down to chance - it was down to a cast of thousands of athletes, volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure our city delivered on its promise to put on the greatest show on earth," he said.

"There can be no doubt that the efforts of Team GB and Paralympics GB provided a truly amazing spectacle, inspiring people into sport, and it is only right they are properly honoured for their contribution."


Others involved in helping London stage a successful 2012 Olympics and Paralympic have also been honoured.

There are knighthoods for London's Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy and for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, who oversaw the transport and policing operations respectively during the Games.

There is also a CBE for the Mayor's Olympic and Paralympic advisor Neale Coleman.

"I am also delighted that Neale Coleman has been recognised for the vital role he played over the last decade to ensure a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Johnson.

"And we are lucky that Neale is now driving forward the work to deliver a lasting legacy for London."

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