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. Craigโs 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.