In a heartwarming celebration of extraordinary athletic achievement, ice skating icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been awarded a damehood and knighthood respectively in the New Year Honours, marking a crowning moment in their remarkable half-century partnership.

The pair, who captured global attention with their perfect Olympic performance to Ravel's Bolero in 1984, received these prestigious honors in recognition of their services to skating and voluntary sector contributions. Their legendary routine at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics, which earned them 12 perfect scores, remains one of the most iconic moments in figure skating history.

Christopher Dean described the honor as "wonderful and humbling," reflecting on their journey that began when they started training together as teenagers. The duo, who were previously appointed MBEs in 1981 and OBEs in 2000, brought their professional partnership to a close in July after a final tour that celebrated their extraordinary legacy.

Their recognition comes alongside other notable sports achievements, including England Women's Football Manager Sarina Wiegman being made an honorary dame after leading the Lionesses to successive European Championships in 2022 and 2025. Several Lionesses players also received honors, with captain Leah Williamson appointed a CBE and players like Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone receiving MBEs.

The sporting honors extended to rugby as well, with England's Women's Rugby World Cup-winning team receiving multiple recognitions. Coach John Mitchell and captain Zoe Stratford were appointed OBEs, while vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones received OBE and MBE respectively. Players Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne also became MBEs, with Kildunne describing her reaction as a mix of wanting to cry and laugh, immediately wanting to call her mother.

Reflecting on their Olympic triumph, Dean shared a poignant memory of their performance: "We were almost lost in a dream when we were doing it. In the arena, it was really quiet. It felt like it was just the two of us." The pair's return to Nottingham after their victory was marked by a street parade that transformed them into "rock stars for a day," illustrating the profound impact of their artistic athletic achievement.

Sarina Wiegman, in her characteristic humble style, emphasized that her honorary dame title reflects the collective effort of her team. "This title is a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff," she stated, embodying the collaborative spirit that has made the Lionesses a global sporting phenomenon.

These honors represent more than individual achievements; they celebrate dedication, teamwork, and the extraordinary potential of human performance across various sporting disciplines.