Sporting world rocked by tragic death of 36-year-old world champ
Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in on social media, following news of 36-year-old British judo legend Craig Fallon’s tragic death.
Fallon - who won the 60kg title at the World Championships in 2005 - passed away on Monday, less than five months into his tenure as head coach of the Welsh Judo Association (WJA).
British police confirmed a body had been found on a West Midlands hillside in the early hours of Monday.
"Knowing Craig from the age of 15, I can look back on our time working together with fond memories and fun times," former coach Fitzroy Davis said.
"At the pinnacle of his career, winning the World Championships in Cairo in 2005, he was one of the true greats of British judo.
"His dedication to the sport he loved will stay with me forever and I will cherish the time we spent together.
"Craig will be a huge loss to the sport, but I hope his achievements and his incredible story will inspire future generations to come."
News of Fallon's death has left the sporting world shocked and saddened.
RIP Craig fallon,
A friend to everyone a great dad/husband, and a true legend to the sport of judo
You will be missed by hundreds fella 🙏 sleep easy man x— Liam (@limlam99) July 16, 2019
Craig Fallon was the rarest of champions; an unbelievable talent, tiny ego and huge heart. Truly a brilliant Judoka and even better human being. It was an absolute honour and privilege to know him, learn from him and call him friend. He’ll be so greatly missed by all. X pic.twitter.com/mwNBQa4LCe
— Danny Williams (@dwilliamsjudo) July 16, 2019
An honour to have known Craig Fallon. A privilege to have had him as a member of @CamberleyJC. A judo genius with a heart of gold. We will all miss him greatly. https://t.co/9bAHjCb7sA
— Luke Preston (@LukePreston_CJC) July 16, 2019
#TeamEngland is sorry to learn of the passing of judoka Craig Fallon.
Craig won gold for Team England at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Our thoughts are with his family and the Judo community. pic.twitter.com/Xhq9DbeniG— Team England (@TeamEngland) July 16, 2019
Genuinely heartbroken by this news. I grew up with Craig Fallon posters on my wall. A true inspiration. Rest in peace Craig 💔https://t.co/6koWPwyBQB
— Dr Stuart McErlain-Naylor (@umpirestu) July 16, 2019
The CJA is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of 2002 Commonwealth Games winner Craig Fallon aged 36. We'd like to send our condolences to Craig's family and friends.#RIPCraig pic.twitter.com/sfOBkudwp8
— officialcja (@officialcja) July 16, 2019
All at IRISH Judo are saddened to learn of the passing of @BritishJudo Judoka, Craig Fallon. Our condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
— Irish_Judo (@IrishJudo) July 16, 2019
It is with deep regret that we must share the sad news to the British and worldwide judo community of Craig Fallon's passinghttps://t.co/f4MPkXFbQI pic.twitter.com/sLtDVso5C4
— #WeAreGBJudo (@BritishJudo) July 16, 2019
No British judo fighter has won a world title since Fallon triumphed in Cairo.
He also claimed the top prize at the 2006 European Championships and the 2007 World Cup.
He is one of only two British men - alongside Neil Adams - to be a world and European champion at the same time.
Fallon later competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where he placed seventh, before retiring from the sport in 2011 to take up a coaching role.
After a spell in Austria, he was appointed head coach of the WJA in March.
Chief executive Darren Warner said: "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."
British Judo performance director Nigel Donohue also paid tribute, hailing Fallon as "an outstanding judo fighter".
He said: "It is with great shock to hear of the passing of Craig.
"Craig is a son and father, as well as an outstanding judo fighter of his generation in world judo."
He added that Fallon was "the most talented judoka I have ever had the pleasure to watch competing for Great Britain", and that he will be "greatly missed by his family and the judo world".
Fallon leaves behind a partner and son.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
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With agencies