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Bill Furniss amongst those recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

British Swimming Head Coach Bill Furniss is one of a number of people recognised in for their contribution to sport and recreation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2017.

Furniss has been awarded an OBE in recognition of his dedication to the sport during a career that spans more than 30 years.

He is a vastly experienced coach, having worked at international level for more than three decades. He also led the coaching staff and athletes to Great Britain’s most successful Olympics for more than 100 years at the Rio 2016 Games.

Commenting on his OBE, Furniss said: “This is a surprise because we do what we do for the love of the sport and not for awards.

“It is a massive honour but is one I feel should be shared due to the progress made by British Swimming in the past four years under the leadership of Chris Spice and myself. We’ve worked well together as a team and collectively achieved some wonderful results so I feel this should be an honour shared.

“I’ve had a long career in swimming and many people, including my family, have contributed so much along the way. There have been some very proud moments for me personally and working with Becky [Adlington] and winning four Olympic medals, including two Olympic titles, is amongst the most memorable.”

Olympic diving coach Andy Banks has received an MBE for his services to diving. Banks coached Tom Daley to bronze at the London Olympic Games and Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow to gold at the European Championships.

Sport England CEO, Jennie Price, has been awarded a CBE for services to sport, especially increasing Women and Girls participation.

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