MBE in Kings Honours for Surrey's former GB athlete and TV Gladiator Kate Staples

This prestigious award recognises her outstanding contributions to health, fitness, and the development of grassroots athletics for children.

Esher based Kate, had a celebrated career as a GB athlete and made a name for herself as a dominant force in pole vaulting where she helped break new ground for women on the international stage. She represented Great Britain in numerous international competitions, setting multiple national records. Prime time television fame came in the 1990s when she became a fan favourite on the popular show Gladiators, in which she starred for six series as 'Zodiac.' Reaching up to 15 million viewers each Saturday Kate helped inspire countless viewers, particularly young girls, to aspire to athleticism and pursue fitness and sport.

However, it was following a serious injury during a Gladiators live arena event that Kate decided to shift her focus towards schools and community-driven initiatives. A broken neck abruptly ended her athletics career and life as Zodiac, but drawing on her experience as an elite athlete, she became determined to help others access the same life-changing benefits of sport that had shaped her own life.

In 2015, she co-founded Aspire to Greatness alongside Olympic legend Daley Thompson CBE. The aim has always been to nurture young talent in athletics and give all children the chance to run, jump, throw and have fun while building confidence, physical fitness, and personal resilience. With an accent on inclusivity and a welcoming approach at every club, Aspire to Greatness has now delivered over half a million wellness hours to children!

The clubs also works to ensure that every child has access to sports, regardless of background. They also act as a coaching pathway for young adults keen to explore teaching and mentoring roles in athletics.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this MBE," said Kate. "This recognition is not just for me but for the incredible team of coaches, assistants, and young athletes who embody the spirit of determination and community that has driven Aspire to Greatness from the start. Together, we are building a legacy where every child has the chance to strive for their best, both in sport and in life."

Aspire to Greatness has become a beacon for the development of grassroots athletics, providing a platform for young athletes to excel in various disciplines, including track and field. The academies focus not just on athletic development but also on the wider holistic evolution of young people, helping them build character and life skills that extend beyond the sports arena. Through her work, Kate has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of discipline, teamwork, perseverance and resilience.

In addition to her work with Aspire to Greatness, Kate Staples is an advocate for physical and mental health, using her platform as a former athlete and TV personality to inspire people of all ages to prioritise their wellbeing. She also works as a motivational speaker, visiting schools and community groups to share her story and encourage young people to embrace sport as a way to improve both their physical and mental health.

"I’ve always believed that sport has the power to transform lives, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it can have on young people, whatever their circumstances and background," she said. "My mission is to continue empowering young people to believe in themselves, to push their boundaries, and to know that greatness is within their reach."

Kate Staples’s MBE award is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless work to make sport more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that the benefits of athletics can be enjoyed by future generations.

Aspire to Greatness runs clubs in several Surrey schools and community facilities and will be running a number of holiday clubs this summer.