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The IAAF is deeply saddened by the news that Graham Botley passed away on Sunday 30 August at the age of 71.
Botley shared his passion for athletics by making it accessible to so many. Since 1979, and in association with the British Athletics Supporters Club (BASC), he began creating and leading tours to athletics events.
His first tour was to the 1979 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Limerick, Ireland, where it rained continuously for four days. But his enthusiasm was unaffected by his Limerick experience and he subsequently attended hundreds of international athletics competitions.
From 1979, this tall, recognisable figure escorted tours of supporters to numerous Olympic Games, IAAF World Championships, IAAF World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, European Championships, IAAF World Cross Country Championships and various international age-group championships.
Botley travelled to more than 70 countries, conducting site visits one to two years ahead of each trip to ensure the best possible experience for all who accompanied him.
In recognition of his life’s work, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the BASC. His own club, Blackheath Harriers, elected him president in 1991.
He was a member of Blackheath Harriers, now Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC, from 1966 and was a promising young runner before turning his attention more fully to sharing his passion with others.
The IAAF offers its deepest condolences to his family and friends.
IAAF
