New Year Honours 2024: Gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie appointed MBEs

Becky Downie (left) said being recognised confirmed that they did the right thing

Gymnastics stars Becky and Ellie Downie, who spoke publicly about abuse in the sport, have been appointed MBEs in the New Year Honours.

The sisters, who are from Nottingham, have been recognised for their services to the sport of gymnastics and also for their services to gymnasts.

Ellie chose to retire at the age of 23 because of her mental health.

She told the BBC at the time she still loved gymnastics, but retired because of "how people were treating me".

Speaking about being appointed MBEs, her sister Becky said it confirmed they did the right thing by speaking out.

"The fact that ours was for services to gymnasts as well, I think that just means everything," she said.

"After what we did, speaking up and everything to do with the Whyte Review, it was a really hard few years for us.

"We've always said we don't regret what we did, but it definitely did come with its consequences for us, and to be recognised on a scale like this, really it's a massive 'you did do the right thing'."

Ellie said: "I think when we got told what the MBE was for we were very pleased about that.

"Getting recognised for stuff you are doing outside of your competition achievements is huge.

"I'm retired now, I definitely wouldn't have expected to have one a year after retirement, which is nice, and when the letter came through the post we were definitely both surprised."

'More than medals'

Ellie is now a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, and will soon be a manager of a Pilates studio.

"I'm a lot happier now," she said. "I've definitely found my feet and found a passion for something I really enjoy."

Becky is preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

"It's crazy that it's come around so fast but I'm excited for the challenge," she said.

"Whatever happens, to know that we've had the impact that we have had on the sport means more to me than I think any medal results will next year."

Ellie Downie (right) and sister Becky Downie have been recognised in the New Year Honours list

Cricketer Stuart Broad MBE, who is also from Nottingham, has now been appointed CBE for services to cricket.

Other people from Nottinghamshire to be named in the New Year Honours list include Prof Matthew Brookes, from the University of Nottingham's School of Physics and Astronomy.

Prof Brookes, who has been appointed OBE for services to physics, helped pioneer a new kind of wearable brain scanner.

Prof Brookes said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive this incredible honour. I've been fortunate to work with an unbelievably talented team of scientists for many years, both here in Nottingham and collaborators across the world, and the credit for all we have achieved must go to them.

"I'd also like to thank all of the staff and students in the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and School of Physics and Astronomy, who make working at the University an immense pleasure.

"Most importantly, I'd like to thank my family, in particular my wife Emma and our children Isabel and Freddie, for their unwavering support over a long career."

Prof Matthew Brookes thanked his wife and children "for their unwavering support"

Others to be appointed OBE include:

• Jacqueline Blake, from Nottingham, who formerly chaired LACA, The School Food People, for services to education

• Former Nottingham city councillor Eunice Fay Campbell-Clark, for services to local government

• SE2 and Chirpy Heat director Rachael Louise Doyle, from Newark, for services to energy efficiency and to diversity and inclusion

• National Forest Company chief executive officer John Everitt, from West Bridgford, for services to conservation

• Martin John Rigley MBE, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, former managing director of Lindhurst Engineering, for services to the East Midlands Covid-19 response and to the community in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Others appointed MBE include:

• Ethel Anderson, for services to the community in St Ann's, Nottingham

• Adventure Activities for All Abilities founder Julie Gray, from Newark, for services to children with impairments in Nottinghamshire

• Jacqueline Neilson, from Worksop, founder of Rain Rescue, for services to animal welfare.

Those to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) include:

• Stephen Charnock, for services to the community in Newark

• Nottinghamshire FA vice president Graham Hall, from Mansfield, for services to young people and sport

• Nottingham Croquet Club president Ian Vincent, for services to croquet.