Peter Reed picks up his MBE (From Stroud News and Journal)

Peter Reed picks up his MBE

9:38am Friday 5th June 2009 in News By Tamash Lal

NAILSWORTH rower Peter Reed recently collected his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Peter, girlfriend Sally and parents Sue and Leo attended the ceremony in London on Tuesday, June 2.

The 27-year-old, fresh from his victory at the first World Cup regatta in Spain, was reluctant to show his hands to the Queen after being asked if they were rough from competing.

His father Leo, who lives in Watledge with wife Sue, said: "It was an absolutely amazing day.

"Peter was honoured to receive the MBE and to meet lots of other people who were receiving awards."

Peter, and team mates Tom James, Andy Triggs-Hodge and Steve Williams beat Australia in the Men's Four Rowing Final in the Olympic 2008 Games to win gold by just over a second in a nail biting race to the finish.

Peter was given an open-top bus parade through Nailsworth on his return, along with Olympic marathon runner Dan Robinson.

The Royal Navy Lieutenant was also recently voted as Sportsman of the Year at the Combined Services Sports Award ceremony which was held in London in March 2009.

He has said the London Olympics in 2012 are definitely on the cards.