Ellen Falkner described becoming an MBE as a “huge and completely unexpected honour” ©Getty Images

Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ellen Falkner has described becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as a "huge and completely unexpected honour."

Falkner was recognised for services to lawn bowls in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, which was published on Saturday (October 10).

“I’m thrilled and delighted; it’s a huge honour and completely unexpected,” Falkner said.

“I am both thankful and grateful for the important part that bowls has played in my life, the opportunities it has given me to test myself at the highest level, travel the world and make friends for life.

“I treasure the friendships, special moments and precious memories made, of which I hope there will be many more.

“This is a wonderful moment for myself and family who have unconditionally loved and supported me throughout."

Falkner won gold on her Commonwealth Games debut at Manchester 2002 in the fours event.

She repeated the feat at Delhi 2010 in the pairs and Glasgow 2014 in the triples.

The 41-year-old also secured a bronze medal at Gold Coast 2018 in the triples event.

Falkner has been named in England’s performance squad for Birmingham 2022.

She has also won six world titles and six British Isles Championships during her career to date, along with 14 national titles.

Ellen Falkner has won three Commonwealth Games gold medals during her career ©Getty Images
Ellen Falkner has won three Commonwealth Games gold medals during her career ©Getty Images

Falkner made her junior international debut for England in 1997 before joining the senior squad in 2002 and has been ever-present since that date.

Bowls England chief executive Jon Cockcroft congratulated Falkner on her honour.

"We are delighted that Ellen’s services to the sport have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

"Her performances in an England shirt have been phenomenal, but her contribution to the sport extends far beyond her own achievements, volunteering her time to help other players and working to raise the profile of the sport.

"Ellen should be incredibly proud of her contribution to our sport and the inspiration she has, and continues to be, for so many in the lawn bowls community."

Bowls England highlighted Falkner’s voluntary coaching of county teams and individuals, as well as sharing technical knowledge through feature writing, television commentary and national coaching workshops.

Falkner also attends club and school presentations to raise the profile of the sport.