IT HAS been an amazing year for Luke Campbell, which began with one medal and has ended with another.
The Olympic boxing hero headed down to Buckingham Palace yesterday, where he was made an MBE by the Queen for services to the sport.
An eventful year has seen Luke become a television star on Dancing On Ice, posing for calendars, opening a host of events and, finally, becoming a professional fighter.
His life changed forever the moment he was announced the winner after a tough battle with Irish fighter John Joe Nevin on August 11 last year to clinch Olympic gold.
His trip to Buckingham Palace was the second time Luke has met the Queen after all the Olympic gold-winning athletes attended a reception in October.
But meeting Her Majesty again has certainly been a highlight for the west Hull star.
"It was an incredibly interesting morning," said Luke.
"It was such a privilege to receive the MBE from the Queen and a great experience.
"She pinned the medal on me and told me I wasn't going to get a gold medal, it would have to be silver this time.
"She also asked me about my training and I told her about my first professional fight and how she would have to put it in her diary.
"I was a little bit nervous as I went up to get the MBE."
Luke's family travelled with him for the ceremony.
He said: "My fiancée and my mum and dad came down with me.
"They also really enjoyed it. It isn't every day you get given the opportunity to be in the presence of the Queen."
Luke, 25, has been honoured for his services to boxing after clinching gold at London 2012 in the bantamweight division.
He received a hero's welcome when he returned to Hull after his victory against Nevin.
Reflecting on the past year, Luke said it was difficult to get his head around what has happened. He said: "It has been a fantastic year.
"Winning the Olympic gold medal was everything I had ever worked for. It was absolutely amazing."
Luke ended up getting to the final of ITV's Dancing On Ice as his profile progressed from sport to popular culture. He also signed a modelling contract with Select Models.
Some feared Luke may have been seduced by stardom but he is unapologetic for making the most of his fame.
He said: "I have had to work really hard since to keep up my profile.
"It is one thing to get the gold medal but then you have to keep yourself in the spotlight."
But the celebrity life will have to be put on hold now as Luke is back in the gym to get fit for his first professional fight at Craven Park on July 13.
Having travelled back to Hull last night, Luke was due back in the gym this morning.
He said: "It is now all about getting on with my professional career.
"I am now back to boxing and being the best I can be in the ring.
"It is great being on television so long as it doesn't compromise my boxing.
"Training is going well and I am excited about my first professional fight and putting on a big show in Hull.
"Hopefully I'll win and then I will look to improve further and wait for my next fight after that."
