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6 January 2014HONOURS: Olympian who trained David Walliams gets OBE
Greg Whyte competed in modern pentathlon in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. He won silver medal in the event at the 1994 world championships, and a bronze in the 1991 European championships.
Luton born Greg studied throughout his athletic career, eventually completed a PhD at the St George's Medical School, London.
He moved to Marlow 9 years ago to work at the English Institute of Sport in Bisham.
When comedian David Walliams volunteered to swim the English channel, running legend Steve Cram directed him to Greg for training. That raised £1million for Sport Relief.
Greg has remained involved with the charity, he prepared David for his epic swim down the River Thames. He has helped raise close to £20million through 17 projects with celebrities including Eddie Izzard and John Bishop.
The 46-year-old, who is a professor at Liverpool John Moores University and has a practice on Harley Street, was thrilled to be awarded an OBE for his services to sport, sport science and charity.
He said: "It's a massive honour. The greatest thing about it is it's completely independent. You do not nominate yourself. You're nominated by your peers.
He thanked his 'long suffering wife' Penny, and his three children, Maya, Elise and Mitchell for their support.
"It's things like this that make the biggest difference. It's wonderful to be recognised," said Greg.
"It's a team effort. It's down to my wife, family and friends. It's a reflection of their efforts and mine."