UK Athletics were saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Eddie Kulukundis before the weekend

Sir Eddie, who passed away aged 88, was a keen fan of the sport and contributed significant amounts to support athletes before the era of lottery funding and for some time thereafter.

Great names such as Denise Lewis, Dean Macey and Jason Gardener, Sally Gunnell and Mo Farah were amongst those to benefit from his generosity. With his love of the sport, for helping others and his lovely manner, many athletes described Sir Eddie as the ‘Godfather of athletics’.

Whilst Sir Eddie was also patron of Belgrave Harriers he helped athletes from all over the UK and was recognised with honours (OBE and Knighthood) for services to British theatre, charity and sport. In the 90s he was runner up to David Hemery who become the first president of UK Athletics and instead took the role of vice-president.

UKA High Jump coach Fuzz Caan tweeted the following tribute:

Sir Eddie Kulukundis gently passed away at home on 17th of February.
He did so much for athletes and coaches from the 1960's all the way through till the early 2000's.
He was kind and generous, with a mischievous sense of humour.
I loved him like a father.
RIP Eddie. x

— Fuzz Caan (@fuzzcoaching) February 19, 2021

Our thoughts go out to his wife of 39 years, Susan Kulukundis and the rest of his family.