In a historic achievement, New Zealand’s golfing icon Lydia Ko is believed to have become the youngest ever Dame of the British Empire at just 27 years old. This impressive accolade comes at the end of an exceptional year marked by her winning Olympic gold, the British Open, and being inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
The youngest Dame in the British Empire until now was Ellen MacArthur, renowned for her solo sailing achievements. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs confirmed Ko as the youngest individual from the country to receive such a prestigious honour, though it remains unconfirmed if this stands for the entire empire.
Reflecting on this recognition, Dame Lydia expressed her honor and surprise, acknowledging that such accolades are not something one typically expects to receive. She amusingly noted her husband Chung Jun’s reaction to her new title, humorously adopting “Dame” as her moniker.
The government lauded her contributions, highlighting a remarkable career with 30 professional wins, including three major championships, 22 LPGA tournaments, and a trifecta of Olympic medals. Her Olympic journey culminated in an incredible display of prowess by clinching a gold, silver, and bronze across three different games, earning her a notable entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Initially appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 at the age of 21, Dame Lydia had contemplated her worthiness for such an esteemed title. She attributed her triumphs in the sport to the unwavering support of family and friends, maintaining ambitious goals for the coming years despite her already stellar achievements.
Lydia Ko, in her inspiring journey from a young immigrant knowing only four English letters to becoming a global sports figure, reminisced about her early days in New Zealand. Her remarkable story serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes, encouraging young girls to pursue athletics professionally and everybody to explore the joy of sports.
Looking ahead, Dame Lydia is already setting her sights on winning all five women’s major golf titles, emphasizing her continuous drive for excellence in her sport. Not only is she a testament to personal triumph, but she also hopes to inspire future generations, particularly in reviving and participating in events like the Women’s New Zealand Open.
