A GOLD medal-winning Olympian says being named in the New Year’s Honours list is “insane”.

Beth Shriever has been given an MBE for services to the sport of BMX riding.

Beth, from Finchingfield, made history when she became the first Team GB athlete to win Olympic gold in the sport at this year’s Tokyo Games.

She has gone on to become an inspirational figure and was given an honourary doctorate of sport from East London University of in recognition of her achievements.

Olympic glory was followed by gold at the 2021 BMX World Championships in the Netherlands and Beth was also named Essex sports personality of the year

Her rise to the top of the sport came despite injuries and having to crowdfund and work part-time alongside training after her funding was pulled a few years ago.

Beth said: “This MBE is super special. What an honour – I can’t believe I get to have the title.

“The fact my hard work and success has been recognised at the highest level is insane and I’m so grateful.

“I would never have thought in a million years I’d be going to the palace to receive such an award. I still can’t quite believe it.

“I’m unbelievably proud of winning the gold medal in Tokyo. It’s a dream come true and I never knew it would happen to me, especially at my first Games experience.

“I think I’m even more proud of being able to win gold at the world championships even after the success at the Games.

“There was a lot of pressure on me and I managed to hold my nerve and take the rainbow jersey.

“After all the racing success it was crazy to then be acknowledged by the prestigious Times young sports women award.

“To also receive a doctorate from East London University was a great honour.”

She added: “I still can’t believe all the doors that have been opened for me through my gold medal races.

“It’s been a pretty rough year. There was speculation at the start of the year whether I was even going to be going to the Games.

“There was a lot of uncertainty and I had to do a lot to qualify. I was injured with a dislocated shoulder only four months out from the Games.

“But everything happens for a reason and I’ve never worked harder in my whole life.

“I’m so lucky to have the support of my family and friends and team.

“I’d love to continue with the success into 2022. We will be racing all over the world, all year round so I’m super excited.

“I just need to defend my titles and maybe get a few extra ones along the way.

“My New Year's resolutions are to make the most of every second doing what I love and to give it everything I’ve got.”