Nick Matthew Collects OBE at Buckingham Palace by Scarlett Smith October 6, 2015
-Three-time World Squash Champion Nick Matthew was officially awarded
his OBE at Buckingham Palace today by Her Royal Highness, Princess
Anne.
Matthew attended the royal appointment with his family and described
the experience as ‘humbling and an absolute honour’ as he collected the
accolade for his services to squash.
The 35 year old from Sheffield is the most successful English squash
player of all time with 33 PSA World Tour titles, three Commonwealth
Games gold medals and seven British National titles to his name.
Matthew has also been at the forefront of inspiring junior players and
is a patron of the Children’s Hospital and St Luke’s Hospice in
Sheffield as well as an ambassador for the PSA’s official charity, the
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
“I feel completely humbled,” explained Matthew. “It goes without saying
it’s a massive honour for me personally but it’s also great to see
squash recognised. Today’s ceremony will certainly be something
I’ll never forget.
“My wife, friends and family have all been so incredibly excited since
it was announced in the summer. I really do have them all to thank for
helping me through the good and the bad times as a professional
athlete, I don’t think I could have achieved as much without their
unwavering support,” added Matthew.
Matthew's achievements have also been recognised by the sport’s
national governing body, England Squash & Racketball. Chief
Executive Keir Worth said: “We are all incredibly proud to see Nick
collect his accolade today. Nick Matthew is one of the world’s greatest
ever squash players and has been an impeccable role model for the sport
across the globe. We are honoured to have a player like Nick
represent England and we’re sure he’ll continue to inspire the next
generation of squash players in this country.”
Matthew will now focus his attention on the US Open which is taking place 8th-17th October in Philadelphia.
