British Paralympic gold medal winner Lauren Steadman was “humbled and honoured” after being awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List on Friday.

The 29-year-old produced a terrific performance in Tokyo to claim gold in the PTS5 category, overcoming the challenges of American Grace Norman and fellow Brit Claire Cashmore.

That emotional success in the Japanese capital came four years after the pain of Rio, when Lauren narrowly missed out on gold as she finished second behind Norman.

Lauren on MBE

News of her MBE on Friday topped off a sensational year for the Portsmouth-based star, who spoke to her local paper ‘The News’ about the award.

She said: “I received the call while on the train home with my dad and this lovely lady told me about my MBE. I just sat there for a bit. It was mesmerizing and humbling.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. I’m delighted. I feel truly humbled and honoured. That really is the only way to say it. Hands down this is on par with my gold.”