Three-time
PSA Men's World Champion Nick Matthew has been awarded an Order of the
British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen of England in her Birthday
Honours List for his services to the sport of squash.
One of most successful British squash players of all time, the
34-year-old from Sheffield has collected 33 PSA World Tour titles, three
Commonwealth Games Gold Medals and seven British National Championship
titles during an accolade-laden career to date.
Matthew is also a Patron of the Children’s Hospital and St. Luke’s
Hospice in Sheffield whilst in 2014 he joined other global sporting
icons such as Jack Nicklaus and Sebastian Coe as an ambassador for the
PSA's Official Charity, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
"It’s incredibly special for me personally but it’s also great to see
squash recognised like this," said the World No.2.
"I think it’s a really great sign for our sport and It’s very humbling
when you look at the other people on the list and you see how much they
have achieved in different areas of life, especially all the people who
have devoted their lives to helping others."
A inspiration for the next generation of PSA players, Matthew also set
up his own PSA tournament in Sheffield to offer young players a chance
to build their careers and has been involved in the development of youth
participation campaigns in his home-town.
"I know my Mum will be beside herself so I’m almost happiest for her!"
he added.
"Being a father myself now, I think it makes you realise how proud your
parents are of you. Being given an honour is something which transcends
anything you achieve on the court and I’d like to think that, when my
daughter Charlotte is a bit older, her Daddy having a OBE is something
that she can be dead proud of too."
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: "On behalf of the whole of squash I
would like to congratulate Nick on receiving an OBE.
“Nick has been an outstanding ambassador for the sport throughout his
career and a model professional who is a role model to thousands of
young players around the world. This award is deserved recognition for a
man who is respected throughout sport as a whole.”
