Former world judo champion Craig Fallon has died at the age of 36.
Fallon was the last British judoka to win a world title, doing so in the -60 kilograms class in Cairo in 2005, and is one of only two British men, alongside Neil Adams, to be world and European champion at the same time.
Fallon, who died on Monday, also won the Commonwealth title for England in 2002 and finished seventh at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 before retiring three years later.
British Judo performance director Nigel Donohue said in a statement released by the governing body: “It is with great shock to hear of the passing of Craig.
“Firstly, Craig is a son and father, as well as an outstanding Judo fighter of his generation in world Judo.
“Craig was a fantastic ambassador for British Judo and is our most successful athlete in the modern era of world judo and the most talented judoka that I have ever had the pleasure to watch competing for Great Britain, where he became a European and world champion.
“He will be greatly missed by his family and the judo world, which has lost a talented athlete and coach. Craig’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.”
Fallon took up coaching following his retirement and, after a spell in Austria, was appointed head coach of the Welsh Judo Association (WJA) in March.
Darren Warner, chief executive of the WJA, said: “We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our head of coaching, Craig Fallon.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family during this difficult time. He was only with the organisation for a short time but was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed.”
Fallon leaves behind a partner and son. The cause of death has not been revealed.
PA
