MBE tops Helena's year (From Daily Echo)

MBE tops Helena's amazing year

6:30am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport

“It is the icing on the cake.”

Those were the words of Hampshire’s gold medal-winning paralympic sailor Helena Lucas after being made an MBE in recognition of her achievements at the London 2012 Olympics.

Lucas, who became Britain’s first ever Paralympic sailing gold medallist, winning the 2.4mR dinghy class, was presented with the honour by HRH The Princess Royal.

“It really was the icing on the cake after such an amazing year,” the 37-year-old from Southampton said.

“I’m so honoured to have received this award for doing the sport that I love. “There were so many other amazing people in the room with me from all walks of life, who were so driven, have made great sacrifices and have worked so hard for their country. “It was really quite humbling.”

Lucas was joined at the Palace by her husband, Steve, and parents Val and Geoff.

“It was so nice to have been able to share the day with them, as they’ve all been so brilliant and supportive throughout my career,” she added. “All the tradition and ceremony around the day made it really special for all of us.”

Lucas’s honour comes after four-time gold medallist Ben Ainslie was awarded a knighthood.