A Life of Integrity, Leadership, and Service to Sport
The United Through Sports family pays the utmost respect to Sir Craig Reedie, former President of the World Anti-Doping Agency and a highly respected leader within the global Olympic Movement. His lifelong dedication to sport leaves behind a legacy that has shaped generations of athletes and strengthened the integrity of sport worldwide.
Sir Craig Reedie was a leading figure in international sport for decades. From his role as Chair of the British Olympic Association to his presidency of the World Anti-Doping Agency, he played a pivotal role in promoting fairness, integrity and excellence at every level of competition. Sir Craig Reedie is also the former President of the International Badminton Federation and former Executive member of the IOC. His leadership helped guide sport through complex challenges, always with a clear commitment to protecting clean athletes and upholding the values of the Olympic Movement.
Beyond his many achievements, Sir Craig was a strong supporter of United Through Sports since our inception. Sir Craig Reedie attended and participated at our first UTS World Youth Festival in Bangkok in 2018, and again at the Gold Coast in 2019, where he addressed our young leaders and youth from around the world. His presence at our opening ceremonies, cheering on youth of all abilities brought insight, credibility and inspiration, reinforcing the importance of integrity and values in sport.
He believed in the power of sport to educate, to unite, and to shape better futures for young people. With the role of WADA President for 6 years, Sir Craig spoke with passion and deduction about the critical need for more education and the role and responsibility of athletes to compete in the spirit of fair play. Sir Craig’s support of UTS reflected a shared vision to place youth at the centre and to create positive opportunities through sport for everybody.
Those who had the privilege of working with Sir Craig will remember his wisdom, his calm leadership and his unwavering commitment to sport. His legacy towards the global sporting community will endure for the generations to come.
President Stephan Fox paid tribute on the 6 April, International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and said: “Sir Craig Reedie’s legacy stands as a pillar of integrity in global sport built on courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to clean competition. Beyond his achievements, he was a man of principle who inspired trust and carried the true spirit of sport with quiet strength. His guidance during my presidency meant more than words can express, and I will always be deeply grateful that I had the honour to thank him in person. His legacy lives within us in the values we uphold and will continue to guide generations to come.“
United Through Sports extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues across the Olympic Movement during this time. Sir Craig Reedie’s legacy will continue to guide sport forward, grounded in integrity, respect and a belief in the power of sport to make a difference. He once said that “sport is a microcosm of society, and playing or competing in sport makes people better characters, and fosters the right values.” Those words capture what United Through Sports holds at the centre of everything it does. Sir Craig was a friend to the movement and an inspiration to all who believe that sport must be worth fighting for. He will be greatly missed.
