Neil Robertson can proudly add new initials after his name, having been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding services to snooker. The winning Australian of the 2010 World Championship received confirmation of this honour through official correspondence, which heralded the recognition from the Australian state.
The letter, addressed directly to Robertson, reads: "Dear Mr. Robertson. I wrote to you recently advising you were being considered for an award within the Order of Australia. It is now my pleasure to inform you of your Medal of the Order of Australia General Division, approved by the Governor-General, effective from Sunday, January 26, 2025. The Governor-General has asked me to extend their congratulations to you." Interestingly, Robertson has been requested to keep his title a secret until it is formally announced on Australia Day 2025.
At 42 years old, Robertson can now utilize the initials ‘OAM’ after his name. Whether he chooses to do so during snooker events is yet to be seen. Robertson's next competition takes him to Berlin for the German Masters, where he is set to face off against Polish potter Antoni Kowalski. While the Tempodrom event is highly anticipated, it is notable as one Robertson has yet to clinch, having been the runner-up in 2020 and reaching the semi-finals the following year. Since then, the Australian star has failed to advance past the third round.
Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Robertson expressed his delight over this new acknowledgment: "Wow what an honour. The proudest moment of my career! A kid growing up in Australia I could never have imagined something like this." This heartfelt reaction encapsulates the sentiment shared across his fanbase and the snooker community.
Regarded as the most successful Australian snooker player of all time, Robertson is distinguished not only for his achievements but also for being the only non-UK-born player to have completed the coveted Triple Crown. His notable accolades include three UK Championship titles won across 2013, 2015, and 2020, along with Masters titles secured in 2012 and 2022. The pinnacle of his career, the triumph at the Crucible, cements his place among the elite players of the sport.
The OAM award, recognized as the highest civilian honour conferred by the Australian government, was established by Queen Elizabeth II back in 1975 upon the recommendation of then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. This prestigious award highlights Robertson’s significant contribution not only to the sport but also to Australia’s representation on the global snooker stage.
Colleagues and members of the snooker community have banded together to congratulate Robertson on this significant achievement. The World Snooker Tour and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association issued a joint statement warmly acknowledging Robertson’s commitment and excellence with, "Our congratulations go to Neil for this outstanding and richly-deserved award. He has been a tremendous player at the top of the sport for over 20 years and is popular across the world for his personality and style of play. He has also been a great ambassador for snooker and a credit to his country. Well done, Neil Robertson OAM!" Their words reflect the widespread admiration for Robertson, solidifying his status as not only a talented player but also a beloved figure within the sport.
With the German Masters on the horizon, excitement surrounds Robertson’s performance. The tournament poses another opportunity for the Australian to add to his impressive collection of titles. Fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely as Robertson seeks to conquer the event which has eluded him for years.
Robertson’s career, marked by achievements and now this cherished recognition, continues to inspire new generations within snooker. The OAM award not only signifies his contributions but also reinforces the impact of his career on the sport as he prepares to showcase his skills on the international stage. Overall, the honor of being appointed OAM will undoubtedly serve as both motivation and pride as he navigates the next stage of his illustrious career.