Phillips Idowu awarded MBE

Phillips Idowu at the GB Olympians Parade of Heroes, 2008. Photo: Nick J Webb

Hackney-born triple jumper Phillips Idowu was awarded an MBE for services to athletics on Wednesday 5 October.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded an MBE. It means a lot to get this extra boost ahead of the Olympics in 2012,” Idowu said.

Despite failing to retain his title, he won a silver medal at the World Championships in Daegu last month, on the day of his daughter’s fourth birthday.

He has numerous other achievements to his name. He was the 2009 World Champion, the 2008 World Indoor champion and 2010 EAA European Champion representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He also won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.