The man who put Molesey Boat Club’s Andrew Triggs Hodge and Moe Sbihi on the road to Olympic stardom has been honoured in the Queen’s birthday honours list, writes Tim Ashton.

Dick Knight, who first walked into the Barge Walk-based club 70 years ago, was made an MBE for his historic services to rowing.

After Great Britain failed to win a single rowing medal at the 1956 Olympics, Knight decided something needed to be changed.

The 85-year-old said: “I studied the training techniques of the winning nations and subsequently took rowers out of the water and into the gym.

“We used to row 2,000 miles to get fit and learn the technique – but it was clear that in a quarter of that time in the gym doing circuit training – where you use all the muscles – you could get just as fit.

“I started the first composite crew with the best crews from the best clubs, before then it was all about clubs representing the country.

“I opened a rowing base in Richmond to create the first ever national rowing team, and I also began a sponsorship drive that brought in much needed funds.”

He added: “I knew after 1956 that something needed to change and, after a lot of hard work, my dream came true with Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent.”

Knight, who won four Henley regatta medals in his prime, is also behind part of the current crop of Olympics medal winners.

He said: “Two of the lads I looked after over the years are Andy and Sbihi, who have gone on to win Olympic medals.

“I used to bring Moe along to the boat club as a youngster. I would give him sweets and chocolates every week, and in the end I had to change that to fruit.

“In the 1960s I was the biggest bloke at 15.5 stone, now we have Moe at number five in the Team GB men’s eight and he’s 6” 7in and 18.5 stone.

“He was a very shy lad, but now he’s the captain of MBC. I am very proud and pleased for him.”

Knight is waiting on a date for when he will go to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and receive his gong.

He said: “It was a bit of a shock, and at the moment the only thing I can think of saying to the Queen is ‘Thank you’.”