OLYMPIC hero Sir Steve Redgrave has received an honorary degree from the University of Buckingham in recognition of his outstanding achievements.

Sir Steve was awarded the degree at a graduation ceremony held at the university on Saturday.

He said: "I'm honoured and delighted to receive the degree from the University of Buckingham. Rowing has opened more doors than I could ever have imagined."

The spokesman said the award acknowledges not only Sir Steve's accomplishments as an Olympian, but the hurdles he has overcome to achieve this position.

Sir Steve battled through diabetes to win his fifth consecutive gold medal medal at last year's Sydney Olympics.