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Sir Craig Reedie, who has died aged 84, was a pivotal figure in London's successful bid to stage the 2012 Olympics. As a member of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games from 2005 to 2013, he formed a highly effective partnership with Sebastian Coe, the bid leader, doing crucial work behind the scenes to secure the Games for London.Reedie's diplomatic skills and influential presence within the Olympic and Paralympic movement were instrumental in winning the support of British politicians and marshalling the votes of Olympic delegates. Coe credited Reedie with playing a vital role in London's bid success, saying that without his efforts, London might never have won the right to host the 2012 Games.Reedie's commitment to drug-free competition was unwavering. He was a founder board member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) in 2000 and served as its president from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure, he clashed with the then IOC president Thomas Bach over Russia's state-sponsored doping regime, ultimately leading to Wada banning Russia from all international competition in 2019.Reedie's sports career began as a leading badminton player. He later became president of the International Badminton Federation and successfully campaigned for the sport's inclusion in the Olympics. His administrative work in badminton led to his appointment as chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and later as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he served as vice-president from 2012 to 2016.Throughout his career, Reedie was known for his tough but charming demeanor, earning him respect from his peers. He was knighted in 2006 and elevated to knight grand cross in 2018. The Sir Craig Reedie Badminton Centre in Glasgow was renamed in his honor in 2014.

Sir Craig Reedie, a giant of the Olympic movement, has passed away at the age of 84. He served as chair of the British Olympic Association for over a decade and was instrumental in securing the 2012 Olympics for London.Reedie was also the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) during a tumultuous period when Russia was found guilty of state-sponsored doping. He recommended banning Russia from the 2016 Rio Games, although this was ultimately rejected by the International Olympic Committee.Tributes have poured in for Reedie, with Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, describing him as a mentor, wise counsel, and great friend. Coe credited Reedie with playing a pivotal role in London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics.Reedie's dedication to the Olympic movement and clean sport has been widely praised. Dame Katherine Grainger, the current BOA chair, highlighted his tireless efforts to promote Olympic sport and his commitment to fair play.