Funeral of Olympic medallist who took part in two London Games

 
20 November 2012

The funeral takes place today of London 1948 Olympic double bronze medallist Tommy Godwin.

The cyclist, 91, who had been a proud ambassador for the sport for more than 60 years, died earlier this month.

He revelled in the Games once again being staged in London this year.

The former British Cycling Federation President and coach and Solihull Cycling Club president was an ambassador of cycling in his home town of Birmingham.

British Cycling's president Brian Cookson described him as a "true gentleman".

He said: "Tommy Godwin represented all that is great about our sport.

"A true gentleman who achieved great things as a competitor, a coach and an administrator.

"Our sport is privileged to have been associated with him."

Mr Godwin won his 1948 Olympic medals in the team pursuit and kilometre time trial, held at Herne Hill.

He was picked to ride the 1,000m time trial at two days' notice, without having ridden one in training.

After winning his medal, he was back at work at the cycle manufacturers BSA the following Monday.

Mr Godwin went on to manage Team GB's cycling squad at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

He was also president of the British Cycling Federation, ran the first British training camp in Majorca and founded the Birmingham Road Cycling Club.

Among those he helped to train was Mick Bennett, who won bronze medals at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, was among those he helped to train.

He also helped to launch the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, the campaign group formed when the track came under the threat of closure in 2010.

He was present when the resurfaced circuit reopened with its future secure under a fresh long-term lease.

British Cycling said he had an "effervescent passion" for the sport.

Mr Godwin became seriously ill just before the London 2012 Olympics began in July.

Despite his illness, he beamed as he carried the Olympic torch through Solihull as part of the torch relay.

His torchbearer nomination briefing reads: "Listing his achievements would take far too long, but he has inspired the young with his regular talks in schools, taking his many medals to show.

"Track cycling in the UK would not be in the healthy position it's now in if it wasn't for Tommy's legacy and inspiration.

"He truly deserves the honour of carrying the Olympic flame."

He also made a point of attending the velodrome to cheer Britain's modern-day cyclists to success.

Anthony McCrossan, a cycling commentator at London 2012, tweeted "my condolences. A great man. He made an impact on me at the velodrome opening and the games. I enjoyed meeting him very much."

His grandson Rob Jones tweeted that "through these difficult days. The great man would be so thrilled to be remembered with such affection."

A private cremation is being held today followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Knowle Parish Church.

Mr Godwin, who died at the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull on November 3, is survived by his daughter Kay.

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