Craig Reedie (© Getty Images)
World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that prominent British sports administrator Sir Craig Reedie has died at the age of 84.
Reedie dedicated his life to sport and anti-doping, serving as President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as well as Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and Board Director of the London 2012 Organising Committee.
Reedie was born in Stirling in Scotland on 6 May 1941. He played badminton at international level during his own sporting career before switching his focus to administration and serving as President of the International Badminton Federation from 1981 to 1984. He was instrumental in successfully securing badminton’s inclusion in the Olympic Games programme.
He became Chairman of the BOA in 1992, holding that role for more than a decade until 2005. During that time, he also joined the IOC and was a Member from 1994 to 2021, a Member of the Executive Board from 2009 to 2012, and Vice President from 2012 to 2016.
Alongside this, he was President of WADA from 2014 to 2019.
In recognition of his work, Reedie received the prestigious Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to sport.
Sebastian Coe and Craig Reedie celebrate London being awarded the London 2012 Olympic Games (© AFP / Getty Images)
Craig Reedie, Jacques Rogge and Sebastian Coe in London in 2012 (© Getty Images)
“This is terribly sad news and my thoughts are first and foremost with his beloved wife, Lady Rosemary, his children Colin and Catriona, and his grandchildren,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who worked alongside Reedie when they both played pivotal roles in securing and delivering the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Rosemary and Craig were a powerhouse couple in global sport. They were engaging, hospitable, kind and entertaining. Craig was a proud Scotsman and a devoted husband and father. I am devastated for his family.
“Craig was my mentor, wise counsel, passionate advisor, and great friend. He was the distinguished elder statesman with a reservoir of Olympic knowledge and experience which he shared willingly and to great effect.
“It was the start of the road to London 2012 that provided the beginning of a long and valued friendship. Craig’s role in securing the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was immeasurable. His stature and respect within the Olympic and Paralympic movement, the Commonwealth Games, throughout sports' corridors of power, and among athletes made him a trusted confidant and friend of many. Without Craig and his leadership of the British Olympic Association, we may never have won the right to host London 2012.
“Craig was a sportsman at heart, but he had the mind and tenacity of a politician. He was equal parts opinionated, wise, canny, and, most of all, loyal to those who legitimately wanted to serve sport. He certainly did not suffer fools gladly, was authentic, and would speak his mind. He was laser-like in his directness, would go into battle to defend what he believed was right, and was in the lead tank during every battle. And, on the rare occasions he was wrong, he would admit so, explain his position, and apologise.
“The epitome of a gentleman.”
World Athletics