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Ellie Aldridge has been made an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours following her groundbreaking victory in the women’s kite competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Aldridge made history as the first ever Formula Kite gold medallist, defeating 19 of the world’s best to take the top spot in Marseille this summer.

The kite discipline, which involves competitors flying above the water on hydrofoils at up to 40 knots powered by huge kites, made its Games debut at Paris 2024.

Aldridge, 28, was made a Member of the British Empire for services to sailing. She joins a host of , including 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson and individual trampoline Olympic champion Bryony Page.

“I feel very honoured to be on the New Year’s Honours list,” said Aldridge, from Poole, Dorset. 

“It really has been an amazing year, and this feels like the cherry on the cake. I didn’t go to university and I never thought I’d ever have any letters after my name, let alone MBE!

“To be recognised alongside extremely inspiring and extraordinary people is such a privilege and I do believe sport can change lives for the better. 

“I hope that I have and can continue to help inspire everyone who watched the Olympics and was intrigued to try kitesurfing or any watersports to give it a go.”

The New Year’s Honours list not only recognises sports stars, charity champions and business and industry leaders, but also hundreds of people making a difference through volunteering in their local communities.

Chair Lawrence David McKee also received an MBE for charitable services to Disabled People and to the community in Kent, and Andrew Nisbet, an 911��ƷScotland Coastwatcher, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Yell, Shetland.