But back in Ghana, she stands out as a gold crown-wearing, scepter-holding king who lives in a refurbished palace.

CNN: February 1, 2013 -- Updated 0959 GMT (1759 HKT)

Even the horses got in on the act, with Best Mate retaining his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown, High Chaparral winning the Breeders' Cup Turf again - and Persian Punch continuing to duck retirement and keep on winning.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Horse Racing | Racing: Stars repeat success

He won the World Cup crown three times in four years from 1997-98 to 2000-01 and claimed two gold medals at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

BBC: The Herminator is back