Tommy Godwin, 1948 Olympic medallist and London 2012 ambassador, dies at age of 91

Tommy Godwin, double Olympic medallist in London in 1948 and ambassador and torchbearer for the 2012 Games this summer, has died at the age of 91. Godwin won bronze medals in the kilo and team pursuit at the Herne Hill Velodrome in the 1948 Games.

The build-up to London 2012 saw Godwin, possessed of an energy that belied his years, make regular media appearances in which he talked about those exploits. The former Solihull Cycling Club President also carried the Olympic torch through the West Midlands town this July.

After retiring from competition, Godwin would go on to manage the British track cycling team at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, and would also become president of the British Cycling Federation.

British Cycling’s current President, Brian Cookson, 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."

Godwin, who was born in the United States to British parents – his family moved back here when he was a boy – had been due to celebrate his 92nd birthday tomorrow, but passed away on Saturday at the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull.