Honours for St Mary's Alumni

Alumni of St Mary’s University, Twickenham Sir Mo Farah and Moe Sbihi MBE were amongst those included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Mo was awarded a Knighthood for his services to athletics following his historic double-double of Olympic titles in the 5000m and 10000m at London 2012 and Rio 2016. Following his success at Rio, Mo, who was based at St Mary’s until 2011, became the world most successful distance runner having completed nine world championships.

Moe Sbihi was awarded an MBE for services to rowing after winning a Gold in the Men’s Four at Rio 2016. Moe, who graduated in 2010, also won the Bronze at London 2012, three World Championships and two European Championships in the Men’s Four and Eight.

Also amongst those honoured was current MA Sports Journalism student Susannah Townsend, who was awarded an MBE for her role in the Gold Medal winning Women’s Hockey Team at Rio 2016.

Speaking of their honours Director of Sport Andrew Reid-Smith said, “Mo was the first runner on the endurance programme that we partner with the London Marathon on, he’s proved to be the best and one of the greatest distance runners ever.  Both he and Moe are world champions and Olympic Gold Medalists, inspirational athletes who will be working hard to win more medals for their country.

“Susannah has joined us more recently as a student; she also won Gold in Rio as part of a GB women’s hockey team who provided some of the most memorable moments. Everyone at St Mary’s is very proud of their sporting achievements, it’s wonderful to see them being recognised for this and we are absolutely delighted for them.”