As a keen follower of international ski racing, I was saddened to learn of the death of John Samuel. His writing was always fair-minded, insightful and informative, and he commanded the respect of the leading skiers.
I also recall his personal kindness. In 1990 I wrote to him at the Guardian to ask for some information regarding the World Cup skiing circuit and he responded by sending me a copy of the official World Cup guide. Some years later, he sent me a replacement copy of one of his Ski Sunday books, with a personal inscription.
