Alistair Brownlee’s golden year was crowned when he received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

The Olympic triathlon champion said on Twitter: “Delighted to receive an MBE. Looking forward to meeting the Queen.”

The Bramhope ace, so often a winner, had to settle for the bronze-medal position in the weekend revival of the BBC’s Superstars competition.

But he fared better than his brother Jonny and Otley’s Lizzie Armitstead, who found the competition tough in an event which brought together 16 of Britain’s Oympic stars.

Alistair pipped brother Jonny to win both the 800 metres and the kayak contest.

However, he could only finish third overall behind the eventual winner, boxer Anthony Joshua, and swimmer Michael Jamieson.

Alistair was in the running for the title until struggling in the javelin and the gym test.

He said on Twitter: “What a shame the camera cut my dips out. Rather glad thats over. I’m off to practise the javelin.”

Jonny added: “Thank God that is over! I am working on my javelin now.”

Cyclist Armitstead was less fortunate.

She was last in the women’s event, which was won by rower Helen Glover.

Lizzie was disqualified in the kayak and struggled with the dips in the gym test.

She tweeted: “I had a great time filming Superstars. Great to meet other athletes, taught me I am not competitive unless I can sniff the win.”