Cardiff Met Archer Gwynne Walker awarded MBE for services to military training and sport

Cardiff Met Archers wheelchair basketball player and coach Gwynne Walker has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

Gwynne received the MBE for services to military training and sport, recognising both his work supporting the development of Army recruits and his contribution to wheelchair basketball. The honour celebrates an inspirational journey shaped by resilience, recovery and a determination to create opportunities for others. 

A former soldier, Gwynne served in the British Army for 16 years before being medically discharged after developing osteoarthritis in both hips. The diagnosis brought significant physical and mental challenges, while leaving military life meant adjusting to the loss of a career and identity that had been central to him and his family. 

Sport became an important part of his recovery. After joining the Invictus programme, Gwynne represented Team UK at the 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague, helping the wheelchair basketball team win a bronze medal. He has described the programme as one of the biggest catalysts in his recovery and credits wheelchair basketball with changing his life. 

Since 2020, Gwynne has worked in a Civil Service role delivering Adventurous Training to Army recruits completing their basic training. Through that work, he has helped more than 12,000 recruits develop resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, drawing upon his own experiences to encourage the next generation of military personnel. 

Away from his military training role, Gwynne has continued to make an enormous contribution to wheelchair basketball. He plays for Cardiff Met Archers and coaches several teams, including the Wales Under-14 and senior sides. He is also the head coach of the Archers’ National League Division Two team and serves as a Wheelchair Basketball Ambassador for Police UK Disability Sports. 

Gwynne said: “I want to give as much back to the sport that gave me my life back and hopefully inspire the next generation to do the same.”

His influence extends far beyond results on the court. Through his coaching, leadership and willingness to share his experiences, Gwynne has supported players in developing confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging within the sport.

Gwynne’s MBE is a fitting recognition of his service, his strength and his continued commitment to using sport to improve the lives of others.