'MBE IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME' SAYS SARAH

World Taekwondo Champion Sarah Stevenson has said that receiving her MBE today will spur her on towards more success in 2012.

Sarah was at Buckingham Palace this morning to be presented with the honour by Queen Elizabeth.

"I’ve been involved in this sport for many many years and I've had some real highs and lows along the way" she said.

"Taekwondo doesn’t make the back pages too often but I’d like to think I’ve helped people become aware of what a great sport it is.

Sarah discussed her preparations for 2012 with the Queen as she was being presented with the award.

"She asked me what I had been doing to myself, referring to my knee.

"I said I'd just hurt it in getting ready for the Olympics and she replied that the Games were a really nice thing to be aiming for."

When asked how long she has been involved in the sport, Sarah replied "22 years now" to which the Queen motioned that it must have been since Sarah was a little girl.

“Receiving the MBE is a great honour and very special to me" said Sarah.

"And it only makes me more determined now to succeed in London this summer.”

Photos courtesy of Press Association