Tour de France champ Bradley Wiggins is edgy over knighthood status

Bradley Wiggins: 'I have always struggled with hierarchy and status.'

13:19 06 November 2012

This year is indeed spectacular for Bradley Wiggins as he emerged as a champion during Tour de France and at London 2012 Olympics. Because of these great successes, many believe that the 32-year-old will be given a knighthood. But would he be comfortable accepting it?

 

In his autobiography, My Time, serialised in the Guardian, he said: “During the Games, there was speculation about whether I might end up with a knighthood in the same way that Sir Chris Hoy did after his great year. People asked me about it, so I did wonder whether I would accept it if it were to come my way.

 

“The point is that I can never see myself being given a title like Sir Bradley Wiggins. I have never considered myself above anybody else. I have always struggled with hierarchy and status. I don't know what it is – maybe just my upbringing, the area I'm from – but I'm quite happy to play second fiddle.

 

“I understand my physical capabilities sometimes give me status but, when it's all done and dusted, I struggle with that kind of thing. It's not what happens to kids from Kilburn.'

 

However, it seems it’s not a solid “no.” Wiggins admitted that should he be offered a knighthood, he might be forced to accept it for his grandfather. He added: “So if it comes my way, I just might have to take it.”