Long time friend of West Kent Sport & Wellbeing magazine, Olympic race walker Tom Bosworth has been rewarded with an MBE in the King’s New Year honours list for his athletics exploits.
The retired athlete won Commonwealth Games medals and competed in the Olympic Games during his career.
Bosworth, 33, was sixth in the Olympic 20km race in Rio in 2016 and also competed in the Tokyo Games. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games he finished runner-up representing England behind Australian Dane Bird-Smith.
The Tonbridge athlete set the British record for 20km of 79:38 in those 2018 Games. What’s more, he set world bests in the mile and 3000m outdoors and indoors. In addition he was seventh in the 20km at the 2019 World Championships before retiring in 2022.
On hearing the news, Tom said: “Tom Bosworth MBE. I never thought I’d be saying that! It is a privilege and wonderful recognition of what I achieved on the track throughout my career. It was incredible fun, filled with many highs and lows, but also some battles to get the event of race walking a little more recognition and respect.
“We achieved the first ever Diamond League Athletics race walk event in 2017, increased airtime on television at major championships, and overall created a better education around the event.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without my coach Andy Drake and all the team at Leeds Beckett University, British Athletics and of course without the never ending support of my family.”
From all of us here in West Kent, we’re sure you’ll join us in congratulating Tom on such a well deserved recognition for his achievements on and off the track over his career.
About Tom’s career
Tom holds three World bests, including the 1 mile race walk (5mins 31.08secs). He holds six British records, won 13 British Championships gold medals, a silver Commonwealth Games medal and is a World European Olympic Games finalist.
Tom also holds British records for walking 3 km, 5 km, 10 km and 20 km, with his Personal Best for 20 km at 1hour 19mins and 38secs.
