MBE for Kawasaki’s REA
A
fter securing his third FIM Superbike
World Championship in succession, British
rider Jonathan Rea took a day out from
testing at Jerez in Spain to go back to
the UK to collect his latest honour, as he
became a Member of the British Empire.
As one of a select few British riders to be honoured
with an award from the Royal family for his sporting
achievements, Jonathan Rea was presented with
his Member of the British Empire award (MBE)
from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.
The official definition of why this particular
category of honour is awarded reads,
“Awarded for an outstanding achievement
or service to the community. This will have
had a long-term, significant impact and
stand out as an example to others.”
It is one of a variety of ways the British Crown
can reward those who have achieved great feats
or have provided outstanding public service, and
Rea joined a wide variety of other recipients at
a special ceremony at Her Majesty The Queen’s
Official residence, Buckingham Palace.
Rea was justifiably proud of his achievement in
what has been a stellar year for KRT. He secured the
first ever three-in-a-row title-winning record, and
set a new record for points scored in a single season.
Rea said “It was a huge honour at first when I found
out I was even being considered. Like most other
people I was not sure exactly what it meant, or the
impact on my life or anything, but to look at all the
people who already have ‘MBE’ attached to their
name, it is all people who have done something
really special in their life. Whether it is working and
committing your time to charities, military, sport
or other areas. I got my MBE - which stands for
a Member of the British Empire - for services to
motorcycle racing. This is something completely
outside of our sport that is an acknowledgement
of my achievements, and it means so much for
that reason. I got my award at Buck ingham Palace,
which is the most iconic building in the UK, where
Her Majesty the Queen lives. I received my award
from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge.
That was super-nice, especially as I had some idea
he is also into bikes. It was a conversation starter
18 KIWI RIDER
when he handed over the medal. I have to say I got
so nervous. My sport is all about hiding behind the
crash helmet and leathers, and that is when I feel
like I am at my best. When I take that off I kind of
feel a little bit naked up there. Especially in those
kinds of circles, it was a little bit daunting for me.
I was in a room with around 80 other recipients of
awards and they all had incredible stories. People
involved in charity work, in search and rescue
operations. All of these people were heroes,
great people. So it was nice to be acknowledged
for doing things for motorcycle racing.”