Colin Jackson has always flown the flag for Britain and Wales Jackson profile

Jackson, who retired in March after a marvellous international career spanning 18 years, won two world titles and has held the world record for over a decade.

But it is the 36-year-old's long service to - and final retirement from - the Olympic Games blue riband sport which has earned the Welshman his latest recognition.

"Honestly, this has come out of the blue," said Jackson who was awarded the MBE in 1990.

"Once I finished with athletics I forgot you can still get these sort of honours.

"To move up to CBE is something I never thought would happen and I am delighted.

"I am pleased I am still being remembered and, just like a world record or championship gold medal, this is an award I will cherish."

Jackson burst onto the sprinting scene after finishing second to his great rival Jon Ridgeon in the 1985 European Junior Championships.

He went on at senior level to set eight Commonwealth and European, plus nine British 110m hurdles records.

From his European debut at the 1986 Championships, the Cardiff born-and-bred star was never ranked outside the top 10 in the world and topped the table for three successive years from 1992.

JACKSON FACTFILE Born: 18 Feb 1967 Coach: Malcolm Arnold PB: 12.91secs (world record) World titles: 1993 (wr), 1999 European titles: 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 Commonwealth titles: 1990, 1994 World Indoor titles: 1999 European Indoor titles: 1994 (60m and 60m hurdles), 2001 (60m hurdles) AAA titles: 10 in total

Sprint speed was his main strength and in 1994 Jackson completed a unique double, winning both the 60m flat and 60m hurdles at the European Indoor Championships.

Last year, shrugging off the constant injuries which were part and parcel of his life, Jackson put in some truly momentous performances.

In Vienna, 13 years after winning his first Euro indoor 60m hurdles title, Jackson won in the world's fastest time of the year.

Then outdoors he clinched a record-breaking fourth successive European 110m hurdles gold medal.

But it all came to an end at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham's National Indoor Arena three months ago.

Competing for Britain for the 71st time - a national record - Jackson finished fifth in the World Indoor 60m hurdles final.

Jackson did not win on his swansong but the entire stadium, including athletes and officials, stood and applauded his final emotional lap of honour.

Now Jackson, who loved representing his country, has been awarded a CBE to reward his marvellous achievements.