Sir Craig Reedie, CBE (born 6 May 1941) is a British sports administrator, noteworthy as a former Chairman of the British Olympic Association (1992–2005) and still a serving representative on the International Olympic Committee.
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Reedie was born in Stirling, in Scotland, in 1941. He was educated at Stirling High School and the University of Glasgow. He gained his Master of Arts (MA) in 1962 and then studied for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1964, still at the University of Glasgow. In 2001 his life's achievements were recognised with a Doctorate from the University of Glasgow, and in 2005 Scotland's oldest university, the University of St Andrews.[1] made him a Doctor of Law (LLD).
In his professional career, Reedie was a partner in a Scottish Independent Financial Advisory company.
He is married with two children.
Unusually, given his years of work in London, he still has a home in his native Scotland.
In his sporting life, Reedie gained success playing badminton from 1962 to 1970, culminating in becoming a doubles champion. At the time, badminton was not recognised as an Olympic sport, a situation his influence was able to remedy in 1985, leading to the first medals being awarded at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
After his success as a player, Reedie turned his efforts towards sports administration and from 1981 to 1984 he was President of the International Badminton Federation (IBF). In 1992, he became the Chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), serving in that capacity for more than a decade, and for which role he was knighted on retiring in 2005. In 1994, in addition to his British role, Reedie joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he is currently one of three United Kingdom representatives, the others being HRH the Princess Royal and Sir Philip Craven.
In addition to his post on the IOC, Reedie is also on the board of the London 2012 Organising Committee, the body preparing for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Reedie will also serve on the Evaluation Commission for the bids for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
In 2008, Reedie hoped to gain admission to the Executive Board of the IOC, the supreme body of the Olympic movement. This was considered essential, in view of the need for smooth communication between the London 2012 organisation and the decision-making authorities of the IOC. He stepped down from one vacancy to ensure there would be at least one female representative at the 'top table' and was then ranged against a candidate viewed as a potential IOC President for the second vacancy. It is believed Sir Craig will stand again when the next vacancies occur, in 2009.
On 9 October 2009,at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen,after two previous failed attempts, Reedie was elected to the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board. He will be the first Briton to have a seat on the board since 1961.
Reedie's successes 'south of the border', whilst possessing an unimpeachably Scottish identity, are an important factor in the politics of sport within the United Kingdom.
The standing of Scotland within the United Kingdom and the relative status of the dual identity is a live issue on both sides of the border and as the Scottish former head of the British Olympic Association has clearly navigated these difficult waters with considerable aplomb himself, his opinions on such matters have considerable influence.
2012 will be the third occasion that the United Kingdom has hosted the Olympics, with the host city for all three occasions being London. This raises the issue of the extent to which the 2012 Games in London will benefit Scotland and the English regions.The presence of a Scot at the heart of London's 2012 Committee deflects some of the apparent stranglehold ('the metropolitan bias') of London and the South-East on the UK sporting and political institutions.
In addition to being a representative of the UK, his presence on international bodies is seen as providing both a representative for Scotland on such international bodies and a true representative of Scotland.
Outside of the UK,the esteem in which Reedie is held as an international delegate in sports administration attests to his diplomatic skills, experience and determination.
Reedie is a member of the Order of the British Empire, in the rank of Commander, giving him the post-nominal letters CBE.
In 2006 he gained further recognition, with the award of a knighthood from the Queen, since when his formal title has become: Sir Craig Reedie, CBE.
Reedie is to be awarded with an Honorary Degree by the University of Lincoln in the 2010 Graduation ceremonies.[2]