In the Queen’s New Year 2017 Honours List it has been announced that British Fencing’s President Hilary Philbin has been awarded an MBE for services to Fencing and Sports Administration.

Speaking about the award Hilary said: “I was delighted to receive this notification out of the blue.  I feel honoured to be personally recognised, but am also pleased from the point of view of British Fencing and our sport. 

Having started fencing at school I have been immersed in the world of fencing for 50 years:  as an international competitor at senior and veterans level, GBR women’s team captain, selector, competition organiser, national and club level administrator, national and international referee, club coach and – for a number of years – The Times fencing correspondent. 

More recently, since undertaking the role of Fencing Manager for the London 2012 Olympic Games and following my 2013 appointment as BF President, I have been more involved with fencing administration at international level.  I have enjoyed working closely with the FIE on raising standards of presentation and protocol at our top international events, and also working with IWAS on developing wheelchair fencing worldwide.

Fencing, like many other sports, can only survive through the commitment of an army of volunteers who, through their enthusiasm for their sport, give their time so generously.  One satisfying result of this is the friendships that are made within this group of dedicated people.  With a husband and father also immersed in the world of fencing (both of them Olympic fencers and international referees), as well as most of my lifelong friends, perhaps it is just as well that I enjoy life as a fencing volunteer.  Long may it continue!”

British Fencing congratulates Hilary on this prestigious award.