2nd September 2015

Graham Botley Passes Away

2 September 2015

British Athletics is deeply saddened by the news that Graham Botley; athlete, administrator and a renowned athletics aficionado, passed away on Sunday 30 August at the age of 71.

From 1979, Botley escorted tours of supporters to all Olympic Games; World Championships, Senior, Junior and Youth; Commonwealth Games; European Championships, Senior, Junior and U23; all Indoor counterparts; World Cross Country Championships and major European summer international meetings 

In all, Graham Botley travelled to over 70 countries, with site visits one to two years ahead to ensure the best athletics’ experience for all who accompanied him. He treated everyone he met with the same courtesy and care, whether it was the experienced athletics’ connoisseur, or a ‘mum and dad’ whose son or daughter had just qualified for a British team for the first time. Many times this latter group needed tickets at the last minute and Graham always facilitated their presence in the stadium with the minimum of fuss.

In recognition of his life’s work, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the the British Athletics Supporters Club and his own club, the famous Blackheath Harriers of London, elected him President in 1991. He was a member of Blackheath Harriers, now Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, from 1966.

Written by Peter Thompson