A Wokingham coach who played an instrumental role in the recent success of the GB Paralympic Rowing Team has received his MBE on this year’s Queen’s Honours list.

Thomas Dyson, 37, has been the GB Paralympic pathway coach since 2009 and during that time he has coached numerous world championship medallists.

Under his tutelage, the GB Paralympic rowers have topped the rowing medal table at two consecutive Paralympic Games at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, winning 5 gold medals in the process.

Thomas said: “I feel very honoured and privileged to have been chosen for this year’s MBE Queen’s honours list.

“To have had the chance to work with the team over a long period of time and to be there with all the athletes when they won the medals is a real privilege.

He has been the GB Paralympic pathway coach since 2009 and during that time he has coached numerous world championship medallists. 

The lead paralympic coach said that the fact that he was presented his MBE during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations has made it even more special.

His career highlight was at the Rio Paralympics as it was a very special day for the athletes.

Dyson added: “There are a lot of people that support the athletes and the athletes themselves. It’s a team effort and I just feel very very privileged to just be recognised for what is a huge team effort.

“The athletes go out and win the medals and we are here to support them.”