Reedie’s journey from player to enthusiastic volunteer led to influence in badminton and its worldwide development with new efforts to support athletes and ultimately successful bids to host the London 2012 Olympic Games with the elevation of sport in society and the administration of sport across the Olympic world, poisoned by doping in Russia.
A memoir on the fun of playing the sport of badminton, leading to the development of Scottish national body—with the building of its own hall and offices—then the international federation with a revolution in the politics and commercial impact on the worldwide sport. In an extension to the Olympic movement, the inclusion of badminton in the program of the Olympic Games is discussed. Reedie was asked to lead the British Olympic Association, the creation of a logical government structure for sport in the UK which led to long-awaited funding for facilities and athletes. Success in performance led to bids to host the Games. The establishment and the success of the London bid in 2005 was the catalyst for re-building the East End of London and the success of Team GB, its athletes and those with disabilities in the Games of 2012. Becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee moved his experience to the major sports organization in the world and ultimately to the fury of Russian doping practices.
Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1 In Braveheart's Shadow; 2 The
Young Administrator; 3 Progress To Our Own Home; 4 The IBF; 5 War and Peace;
6 The New Leader; 7 The Thomas Cup and a Step Towards Olympia; 8 New Friends
and New Money; 9 IBF Changes and Other Tasks; 10 Olympics at Last and New
Business; 11 Progress on Both Fronts; 12 New Olympic Tasks; 13 Towards the
End with the IBF; 14 Barcelona; 15 The BOA; 16 The IOC; 17 Complications; 18
The IOC in Peril; 19 Rocky Road to London; 20 More Bumps in the Road; 21
Driving the Dream; 22 Last Push to Singapore; 23 Lifestyle Changes; 24 From
Beijing to London; 25 Mixed Progress to London; 26 Final Steps to London; 27
Moving On; 28 WADA: Troubles Emerge; 29 Russia: The Ruin of Sport; 30
Confusion Before Conclusion; Epilogue.
Craig Reedie came from a love of badminton. His efforts for his sport included the building of its own six-court hall and official offices. For the International Federation, he resolved major political issues and worked for the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Program. For the BOA, he helped a change in the structure of British sport and the organization of bids to host the Olympic Games. Seven years of organization led to the successful 2012 London Games. A member of the IOC since 1994, he became president of WADA, facing the Russian doping issues.
