Sir Craig Reedie, the former chair of the British Olympic Association and president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, has died at the age of 84.
The influential administrator led the BOA between 1992 and 2005 before serving as the third president of Wada from 2014 to 2019.
During his tenure as BOA chair, the 84-year-old played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He subsequently served as a director for the organising committee and held vice-presidential duties on the International Olympic Committee executive board.
A driving force for clean sport
The Scotsman’s tenure at Wada coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in modern sporting history.
He presided over the global anti-doping watchdog during the exposure of state-sponsored doping in Russia.
This monumental investigation ultimately led to the nation’s athletes being banned from competing under their national flag.
Current BOA chair Dame Katherine Grainger paid tribute to his unwavering commitment to integrity across the sporting spectrum.
“He always fought hard for Olympic sport, and fought harder still for clean sport.”
“Few knew the Olympic movement better and fewer still served it with such distinction. It was the measure of Craig that it never diminished his love of sport.”
From badminton court to boardroom
Before embarking on a transformative career in sports administration, the former Great Britain international was a distinguished badminton player in the 1960s.
His passion for the racket sport translated into executive success when he spearheaded the campaign to introduce badminton to the Olympic programme at Barcelona 1992.
The IOC’s Kirsty Coventry highlighted his enduring legacy in athlete development and ethical governance.
“He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve.”
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to athletic advancement, the sporting pioneer was knighted in 2006 and elevated to Knight Grand Cross in 2018.
Pre-race favourite Soldier In Milan has delivered a commanding performance to win the 2026 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for trainer Emmet Mullins.
The Paul Byrne-owned runner tracked the early leaders before surging clear of the chasing pack in the closing stages.
Showurappreciation finished a distant second, while The Enabler took third and Argento Boy completed the top four.
Monbeg Genius had dictated the pace for the majority of the prestigious steeplechase but ultimately faded to finish fifth.
Dramatic incidents shape the chasing pack
The gruelling test of stamina took its toll on several prominent contenders throughout the contest.
Kiss Will threatened to mount a challenge before suffering a heavy fall at the third-last fence.
Meanwhile, The Jukebox Kid was pulled up prior to the conclusion following a series of costly jumping errors.
Attention shifts to Aintree showpiece
This decisive victory provides a significant boost for the winning connections amid the fiercely competitive Irish National Hunt trainers’ championship.
Racing fans will now turn their focus across the Irish Sea for Saturday’s highly anticipated Grand National at Aintree.
I Am Maximum is currently the heavy favourite to conquer the famous Merseyside fences in that upcoming marathon.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will return to the ring after a one-year retirement to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, 11 April.
The 37-year-old abandoned the sport for a fifth time following consecutive defeats to long-time rival Oleksandr Usyk.
However, the Morecambe-based fighter has rapidly reversed his decision to take on the hard-hitting Russian.
High stakes in heavyweight division
A victory this weekend could set up a highly anticipated domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year.
Standing in his way is the 36-year-old Makhmudov, who enters the bout fresh from a knockout victory over Dave Allen.
The upcoming opponent is renowned for his formidable power and will look to derail any future British super-fights.
Unconventional preparation for return
In typical fashion, the ‘Gypsy King’ has opted for an unorthodox approach to this training camp.
The British heavyweight claims he will be preparing entirely without a traditional coaching staff.
“I don’t need a trainer, I don’t need a nutritionist, I don’t need a mind coach, I don’t need a sleep coach and I definitely don’t need a strength coach.”
He stated he only requires someone to wash his gum shield and provide water between rounds.
“I’m excited to be back. My heart has always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!”
How to watch and undercard details
The event marks a significant broadcasting shift, with the entire card streaming live to global subscribers on Netflix.
Main event ring walks are expected to commence at approximately 22:00 BST.
The supporting card features a notable return for Conor Benn, who takes on Regis Prograis.
Benn has not competed since his commanding victory over domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr.
Additional heavyweight action on the undercard includes Jeamie Tshikeva taking on Richard Riakporhe, alongside Frazer Clarke facing Justis Huni.
Plymouth Gladiators speedway rider Tobias Thomsen has sustained multiple severe injuries, including a punctured lung and a broken femur, following a collision with Poole Pirates’ Richard Lawson on Friday evening.
The 31-year-old was transported immediately to hospital following the heat-one incident during his debut meeting for his new club.
The Danish racer was struck from behind by his former teammate during the early stages of the fixture between the two rivals.
Extensive medical trauma
Providing an update from his hospital bed, the Scandinavian detailed the extreme extent of the physical damage sustained in the crash.
He revealed that a titanium bar has been surgically inserted from his knee to his hip to stabilise a fractured femur.
“In the face, around the eye, I have three minor fractures in the bones, which fortunately do not require surgery,” said Thomsen.
The former Poole Pirates representative has also suffered three broken ribs alongside a small, but non-threatening, brain haemorrhage.
Riders maintain mutual respect
Despite the severity of the incident, there remains absolutely no animosity between the two competitors.
“This is a race accident and I have no grudge against Lawson – I know this could happen,” the recovering athlete explained.
Lawson swiftly responded to the online update to express his profound regret over his involvement in the horrific collision.
“I am absolutely gutted for you, wish I wasn’t the other rider in this with you,” stated Lawson.
Determination to return
The Plymouth-based outfit released a statement confirming their rider is determined to regain full fitness and evaluate his long-term career options.
Fans have quickly rallied around the stricken sportsman, raising nearly £1,400 through trackside collections to support his recovery and assist with machinery repairs.
“Going to do my best to get back in shape and see where this takes me in the future, I want to race again because it’s what makes me happy and feel alive,” Thomsen concluded.
A supercomputer has predicted the top 10 for the 2026 Masters at Augusta National, forecasting that defending champion Rory McIlroy will fail to retain his Green Jacket.
The prestigious event marks the beginning of the major championship season in elite golf.
Players will compete for the iconic prize and a lifetime exemption to the historic Georgia tournament.
Northern Irishman McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam at the venue last year.
The European Ryder Cup star defeated Englishman Justin Rose on the first extra hole of a dramatic play-off.
However, artificial intelligence suggests the defending champion will not secure back-to-back titles.
Augusta specialists tipped to contend
Breakout American star Chris Gotterup is projected to finish in 10th place on four under par.
The emerging talent recently secured impressive victories at both the Sony Open and Phoenix Open.
Veteran Rose is expected to secure ninth position by utilising his extensive course knowledge.
The former US Open champion has previously finished as runner-up at the major on three separate occasions.
American Xander Schauffele is predicted to share a final score of five under par.
The Olympic gold medallist boasts a stellar record at the venue, missing the cut just once in eight appearances.
Fleetwood and Morikawa in the mix
World number four Tommy Fleetwood is forecast to finish in seventh place on seven under par.
The popular Southport native broke his PGA Tour drought last season but has traditionally struggled at this specific venue.
Meanwhile, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa is projected to finish one shot ahead in sixth.
The Californian has been described by the predictive model as the most consistent iron player of the current campaign.
American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has become only the third woman in history to win Australia’s prestigious Stawell Gift from the back of the field, overcoming a handicap of up to 10 metres.
The Olympic 100m silver medallist raced from the ‘scratch’ mark in the unique handicap event, meaning she was required to run the full 120 metres and overtake every other competitor.
Competing on an uphill grass track, the 26-year-old clocked a remarkable 13.08 seconds in the final to record the fastest women’s time in the 148-year history of the competition.
She narrowly edged out 19-year-old Australian Charlotte Nielsen, who had begun with a nine-metre head-start, to claim the £20,900 prize pot.
Record-breaking run follows semi-final scare
The former 100m world champion almost missed out on the showpiece entirely after easing up too early before the finish line in her semi-final race.
However, the lightning-fast athlete made no such mistake in the decisive heat, later revealing she knew victory was secured well before the conclusion.
“I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” she told Australian broadcaster Seven Network.
“This is one of the most exciting, fun and entertaining track meets I’ve ever ran in, not even just that, but the love, the true love and support for track and field, unbeatable.”
Coleman misses out as Komolafe takes men’s title
The historic three-day competition, held in the rural town of Stawell, featured more than 700 athletes competing for a share of the £81,000 total prize fund.
Fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, who is the reigning indoor 60m world record holder, also contested the men’s event but failed to reach the final.
The 28-year-old former men’s 100m world champion was eliminated in the semi-finals after finishing fifth in a time of 12.48 seconds.
Instead, 21-year-old Australian Olufemi Komolafe secured the men’s title, crossing the line in 11.93 seconds from a five-metre starting mark.
Historic pedigree attracts global stars
The iconic Stawell track has a rich history of drawing global superstars to its unique grass surface.
Jamaican great Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie and home favourite Cathy Freeman are among the elite champions to have competed at the festival since its inception in 1878.
Justin Rose is aiming to capture his first Green Jacket at the 90th Masters in Augusta this week, a year after suffering play-off heartbreak against Rory McIlroy.
The 45-year-old Englishman boasts an unrivalled pedigree among those still seeking a maiden victory at the iconic Georgia venue.
He watched on last year as his European Ryder Cup team-mate finally completed the career grand slam.
The former US Open champion had matched the lowest total of the week at 11 under par, firing a sparkling final-round 66.
“Augusta was painful, but at the same time I was proud at how I played,” the veteran golfer told BBC Sport.
It was the second time he had endured a sudden-death defeat at the tournament, having previously lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017.
Chasing an historic age milestone
The seasoned professional would become the second-oldest winner in tournament history if he triumphs on Sunday.
Only Jack Nicklaus, who claimed his 18th major title 40 years ago, has donned the Green Jacket later in life.
Despite his advancing years, the former world number one remains a formidable presence in the top 10 of the global rankings.
He statistically played the best golf of anyone during Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup campaign last year.
Recent PGA Tour success fuels belief
The Olympic gold medallist returned to the winner’s circle last August by defeating JJ Spaun in a Memphis play-off.
He followed that impressive feat by romping to a dominant seven-shot victory at Torrey Pines in February.
“Getting back in the winners circle in big events on the PGA Tour is testament that my game is still good enough to compete with the best players,” he said.
“And just knowing that gives me the motivation to continue to work hard and to keep believing in myself.”
Meticulous preparation for Augusta
Following his triumph in San Diego, the European stalwart recovered from two missed cuts to finish tied for 13th at the Players Championship.
This solid display in a demanding environment reflects his renowned resilience and enduring appetite for the sport’s biggest prizes.
“I’m pretty good at gearing up for the weeks I want to play well and I think having that sort of experience to do that,” he explained.
To maximise his chances at the season’s first major, he withdrew from last week’s Texas Open to focus entirely on his Augusta preparations.
“I’d love to find a way to play well every single week. But if I can find a way to hone in on the weeks that I really want to play well, that would be enough for me to chase down some of the goals I have left.”
Two-time champion Scottie Scheffler has arrived at Augusta National for the Masters with his nine-day-old son Remy following a recent withdrawal from the Houston Open.
The American star had kept a low profile since stepping away from competition two weeks ago to await the birth of his second child.
His wife, Meredith, gave birth to the baby boy on 27 March.
The new arrival joins their first son, Bennett, who was born shortly before the US PGA Championship last year.
“We just liked it. We didn’t have very many good boy names, to be honest with you.”
The infant was spotted in a stroller beneath Augusta’s famous oak tree, marking a uniquely domestic scene at the opening major of the year.
McIlroy relishes defending champion duties
Defending champion Rory McIlroy has fully immersed himself in the weekend’s traditional preliminary events.
The Northern Irishman handed out trophies at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals while wearing his coveted green jacket.
He later took to the pristine Georgia course alongside his father, Gerry, and Augusta member Jimmy Dunne.
The four-time major winner is now preparing to host the exclusive Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening.
“It is the most exclusive dinner club in all of sport, and I think we should all feel very fortunate that we are there.”
“But we’re there because of the hard work and the good play that we’ve been able to produce.”
Woods and Mickelson absence noted
Two notable figures will be missing from Tuesday’s prestigious champion gathering.
Tiger Woods is absent following a brief jailing on suspicion of driving under the influence after a car crash last month.
Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson is also skipping the event to address a personal health matter at home.
“Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won’t be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they’re acknowledged as well.”
McIlroy added that he hopes the returning champions enjoy the evening despite the absence of two of the tournament’s greatest historical competitors.
DeChambeau and Player feature in Sunday scenes
Elsewhere on the grounds, Bryson DeChambeau greeted young fans before rushing to join his caddie for a solitary practice round.
Three-time champion Gary Player was also present in Georgia.
The South African icon is preparing for his traditional role hitting the honorary opening tee shot on Thursday morning.