Sir Craig Reedie, Former BOA Chairman & Key London 2012 Figure, Dies at 84
Sir Craig Reedie, who served as chair of the British Olympic Association for more than a decade and played a pivotal role in London being awarded the 2012 Games, has died at the age of 84.
Reedie held several leadership positions including IOC Vice-President, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and President of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) – now known as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) – as well as his role with the BOA.
He began his sporting career as a national and international badminton player representing Great Britain in the 1960s before entering the world of sports administration.
He joined the IOC as a Member in 1994, later serving on the IOC Executive Board (2009–2012) and as Vice-President (2012-2016).
Reedie became the third President of WADA with his tenure running from 2014-2019 during which the state-sponsored doping scheme in Russia was unearthed and eventually punished.
He chaired the BOA from 1992 to 2005 and played a crucial role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. He served as Director of the London 2012 Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games between 2005 and 2012.
He was awarded the Olympic Order in 2023.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “Sir Craig dedicated his whole life to the service of sport and the Olympic Movement. He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve.
“His contribution to the Olympic Games, to clean sport and to the development of athletes worldwide will endure for generations to come.”
Seb Coe, World Athletics President, said: “Terribly sad news to hear about Sir Craig Reedie and my thoughts are first and foremost with his beloved wife, Lady Rosemary, his children Colin and Catriona, and his grandchildren.
“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.”