World curling boss made CBE in New Year 2019 Honors List

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Kate Caithness, president of the World Curling Federation (WCF) was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for "Services to Sport" in the Queen's New Year 2019 Honors List, in the UK.

"To receive such recognition is the most wonderful honor. My ambition has always been to work for the good health of the sport of curling, something that is a great pleasure to do. During my time in office I have also had the privilege to work across sport more generally within the Olympic Movement," said Caithness.

Kate Caithness, president of the World Curling Federation (WCF) delivers a speech during the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Day and Opening of the World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2017. /VCG Photo

There are five classes of appointment to the Order in UK: Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE), Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE), CBE, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Gareth Southgate, manager of the English men's national soccer team was awarded an OBE while the team's striker Harry Kane was a given an MBE for leading the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The CBE Caithness got a higher honor than theirs.

Caithness tries wheelchair curling during the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Day and Opening of the World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2017. /VCG Photo

Caithness is the first female president of an Olympic Winter Games Federation and one of the only two female bosses of all Summer and Winter Olympic sports. Her story with curling began in the 1980s. In 2013, she already received an OBE for her service to ‘Curling and International Disability Sport'.

Caithness' work at the WCF helped curling earn a valuable spot in Winter Olympics by introducing mixed doubles to join men's, women's and mixed wheelchair curling events at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Moreover, Hew Chalmers, director of British Curling and board member for the British Olympic Association, was also made a Member of the MBE for his "Services to Olympic Sport".