Sexton, Gibson Receive MBE Honors -- January 2, 2004

LONDON, January 1. BRITISH swimmers Katy Sexton and James Gibson were among 35 athletes receiving MBEs (Order of the British Empire, Member) in the annual New Year's honors.

Sexton, 18, won the 200 meter backstroke at the World Championships in Barcelona last July, becoming the first British woman ever to win gold at the swimming world championships.

Gibson won the 50 meter breaststroke in Barcelona and finished third in the 100 meters aafter leading mosqt of the way.

Both swimmers are considered among Great Britain's leading prospects to win gold at this year's Olympic games in Athens.