EIS National Director Nigel Walker awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours

Nigel Walker, the National Director at the English Institute of Sport, has been made an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Nigel has led and developed the world class support on offer from the EIS to nearly 40 British sports. Under his leadership, the EIS has consolidated its reputation for innovation and development within the demanding environment of high performance sport.

During his time as EIS National Director, he has led the organisation during an unprecedented period of success for British sport.

“I’m incredibly proud and honoured and it has come as a great surprise to me.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have had a career in not one but two sports, but I’ve then been able to continue my association with sport in my post-athlete roles and that has been tremendously fulfilling.

“I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support throughout my career, I certainly couldn’t have done it without them.

“Over the years I’ve worked with so many dedicated, talented and passionate individuals, none more so now than in my current role at the EIS.”

The EIS worked with 93% of the athletes and 31 of the 34 sports that won a medal for Team GB and Paralympic Games at the Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

EIS Chair John Steele added: “Nigel has drawn on all his experience as a top class athlete in two sports to develop as an exceptional leader in the sports industry. It is fantastic testament to his many years’ service that’s he receiving this OBE and it is a fitting accolade. Nigel passionately believes in the importance of the high performance sport system and has played a pivotal role in developing it over the last decade.”

Nigel joined the EIS in September 2010 having previously been Head of Change and Internal Communications at BBC Wales. His career and contribution to elite sport started many years previously. Nigel is a former international athlete and rugby union player, having represented Great Britain as a high hurdler before switching to rugby, earning 17 international caps for Wales. Nigel also served as a UK Sport board member from 2006-10, was Chair of the Major Events Panel and a member of the Audit Committee.

Congratulations to Nigel from all at the EIS.