Lydia Ko Becomes Youngest Dame in Sports History – FootBoom

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Lydia Ko has etched her name into the annals of sports history as she was honoured with the title of dame in the 2025 New Year Honours List, making her the youngest individual ever to receive such an accolade in the modern era. The 27-year-old Kiwi golfing sensation surpassed the previous record held by British sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, who was 28 when she received her damehood.
Already a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Ko expressed her gratitude, stating that this recognition is not merely for her but also for everyone who has supported her journey to becoming a professional golfer. “These types of opportunities are rare, and to have this incredible honour bestowed upon me fills me with immense pride. It’s a special moment for us all, signifying a collective achievement rather than just an individual one,” she remarked.
Ko, known for her grace and humility, admitted she contemplated the significance of accepting the damehood and initially questioned her worthiness. “You don’t grow up envisioning yourself as a dame. You might dream of being a Hall of Famer or reigning as world No. 1, but this honour is on a different level entirely. I found myself reflecting on whether I truly deserve this. I’m profoundly grateful for those who brought this opportunity to my attention because not everyone gets that chance,” she shared.
Joining the esteemed company of Sir Bob Charles, the only other Kiwi golfer to have been awarded a damehood or knighthood, Ko acknowledged the honour of sharing such a distinguished title. “Considering Sir Bob’s illustrious legacy, I felt it necessary to ponder my own merits for this honour,” she stated.
With an illustrious career that has seen nearly every accolade achieved, Ko noted her aspirations for the future, particularly her pursuit of a career grand slam – a feat that involves winning all five major championships. “Winning the Women’s Open fueled my belief that I can achieve this once elusive goal. The Women’s British Open has been somewhat of a hurdle for me in the past, so if I can break through that barrier, why not aim for the ultimate?” she said.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Ko’s career began in 2007 when at the tender age of seven, she participated in the New Zealand national amateur championships. By 2012, she made headlines as the youngest winner of a professional golf tour event at just 14 years old at the Women’s NSW Open, followed by earning the title of youngest LPGA Tour event winner at the Canadian Open the same year.
In what would turn out to be a defining year, Ko claimed her first LPGA Tour title at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in 2014, coinciding with her 17th birthday. Rising through the ranks, she reached world No. 1 for the first time in 2015, capturing multiple titles including the Evian Championship, where she became the youngest player to win an LPGA Tour major.
After a series of ups and downs where she battled through winless seasons, Ko surged back to prominence with three LPGA titles in 2022 and a stunning return to form in 2024. Her recent achievements, including a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, have solidified her place among the legends of the game.
Now as Dame Lydia Ko, she joins the ranks of fellow renowned dames in sports like Valerie Adams, Sophie Pascoe, and Lisa Carrington, continuing to make her mark in the world of competitive golf.
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