The Knighthood

As a result of the unparalleled achievements in his sporting career, Sir Steve Redgrave received his knighthood from Her Majesty on 5 May 2001. During the ceremony at Buckingham Palace the Queen asked Sir Steve about his feet! Not such an odd enquiry when you realize this was with reference to his participation in the Flora London Marathon 2001.

"I told the Queen I still have a couple of blisters and my legs were so stiff I had to walk downstairs backwards," he said.

Sir Steve continued: "It's a great honour - it's great to have an honour from your country.

He has been honoured before by the Queen. He was awarded a CBE in the 1997 New Year's Honours List for services to rowing, and an MBE in 2001.

Later that year, Steve was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. This honour was followed by the Golden Sports Personality in 2003.