by Callum Ellis
WALES Women and Seattle Reign’s talismanic midfielder, Jess Fishlock, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) after being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Fishlock made her 110th appearance for Wales in their Women’s World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. She also became the first player, male or female, to reach 100 caps for her country last year.
The 31-year-old joins Welsh Paralympian Menna Fitzpatrick and former international rugby player Dai Morris, who were also included in the honours list.
The former Cardiff City Ladies midfielder currently holds the record as Wales’ highest capped player, and received the award for her services to both women’s football and the LGBT community.
She told FAW.Cymru: “It’s a great honour to be recognised for who you are and what you do. It’s really nice for my family and the squad as well, it’s great to see as footballers that we’re getting recognised and things are going in the right direction.
“It really hits me close to my heart. People have such a hard time within themselves let alone society so it’s important that everyone is OK with who they are, and they feel safe with who they are.
“Since I’ve got to that point I’ve been the best version of myself and I want others to feel the same.”
A successful career has seen Fishlock receive a lengthy list of individual accolades, which includes being awarded Wales Women’s player of the year four times.
“Extremely happy, humble & proud to be recognised with this honour,” wrote Fishlock on her official Twitter account. “Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Extremely happy, humble & proud to be recognised with this honour. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way.
Cymru Am Byth 🐉 https://t.co/pGJtsJUQ4M— Jessica Fishlock (@JessFishlock) 8 June 2018
Fishlock has played an integral role in Wales’ World Cup qualification bid under manager Jayne Ludlow, but recently revealed she could retire at the end of the campaign.
Welsh Secretary, Alun Cairns, heaped praise on the talented midfielder for her services to the sport: “From becoming the first Welsh player of any gender to make 100 appearances for their country, to league titles and player of the year awards for her clubs in Melbourne and Seattle, the accolades have been coming thick and fast for Jessica over recent years.
“That roll of honour is bolstered again today as she is named among the Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients. She is a great sportswoman, an enduring role model and an inspiration to all.
“My warmest congratulations to Jessica – a worthy recipient of this honour.”
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