Honors have been received from sports associations, clubs and athletes
Sport has paid tribute after Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, died aged 96.
After the announcement of her death on Thursday, messages poured in from sports associations and personalities.
A minute’s silence was observed at Manchester United, Arsenal, West Ham and Hearts European games.
And in horse racing, the sport most closely associated with Her Majesty, she has been called her “biggest supporter”.
horse race
Ascot, the racecourse most closely associated with the Queen, paid tribute to one of the sport’s great champions.
The Berkshire venue is famous for its royal meeting and procession from nearby Windsor Castle, with the Queen claiming many high-profile victories at the circuit – not least Estimate winning the Gold Cup in 2013.
Sir Francis Brooke, Her Majesty’s representative at the circuit, said: “The nation mourns the loss of a much loved and respected monarch. The racing world has lost one of its greatest supporters.
“We at Ascot are privileged to have so many memories of Her Majesty The Queen at this racecourse of hers, including some wonderful victories in the royal colours.”
Nicky Henderson, who trained racehorses for the Queen and Queen Mother, added: “Racing has lost its best friend and greatest supporter, the country has lost its queen – but she was more than a queen. The country lost someone who was its greatest maid she was absolutely the greatest.
“She knew horses inside and out, so it was always a pleasure to be able to talk and discuss about horses – and many other things. Your loss is immeasurable. It’s an emotional day and I’m very emotional.”
Estimate trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: “It was an honor and also a great pleasure to train for the Queen as she had such an impressive knowledge of the horse.”
And ` McCoy, 20-time Show Jumping Jockey Champion and knighted in 2016, added: “We will miss your knowledge, your passion, your sense of humour, your charming lightheartedness and above all your irreplaceable presence. RIP Ma’am.”
Soccer
Manchester United and Real Sociedad players observe a minute’s silence ahead of the Europa League Group E game
All Premier League clubs released individual messages to pay their respects to the Queen and the Premier League said it was “deeply saddened” by her death.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and all the people around the world who are mourning the loss of Her Majesty,” the league said.
English Football League chairman Rick Parry added: “On behalf of the league and its clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people around the world in mourning our Queen Elizabeth II.”
English captains for men and women Harry Kane and Leah Williamson described the Queen as “an amazing inspiration” and “a light so bright that it gave us hope when there seemed to be none”.
Motorsports
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The Queen was undoubtedly one of the most respected Heads of State that has ever lived and I send my condolences to the Royal Family and all citizens of the FIA, and those of the entire FIA community in the UK and Commonwealth.
“Motorsport and Formula 1 in particular has its heart in the UK and the Royal Family have been very supportive and encouraging of the sport over the years.
“For that we thank them and these events taking place around the world this weekend are undoubtedly in Her Majesty’s honor.”
cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was “deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.
ECB Chairman Richard Thompson said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in football when I say how sad I am to hear of the death of the Queen. Her Majesty was such a huge supporter of football and was always so vocal about her and her late husband’s enjoyment of the sport.
“Your devotion to your country will never be forgotten. For her service and selflessness during her extraordinary reign, we owe her a debt that can never be repaid.”
golf
On the first day of the BMW PGA Championship, flags were flown at half-staff in Wentworth and all games were suspended
Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, captain of the victorious 2018 European Ryder Cup team, said: “Having lived most of my adult life in England, I am deeply saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. An inspiration to so many around the world World peace, Your Majesty.”
US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick tweeted his condolences and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood added: “Rest in peace Your Majesty, you will be in our hearts forever.”
rugby league
Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson said the governing body was grateful to the Queen for her support of the game.
“On behalf of the RFL and the entire Rugby League family, I offer our deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The sport as a whole is in deep sadness at this extremely sad news,” he added in a statement.
“Rugby League was honored to have her as our Patron until 2016 and during her long tenure, Her Majesty’s sense of duty and dedication, spirit and wisdom set an example for us all.
“We are grateful for Her Majesty’s constant and positive impact on our communities over many generations.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the Royal Family, including RFL Patron HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Our clubs and players at all levels will pay their respects to Her Majesty wherever rugby league is played in the coming days.”
rugby union
Dominic McKay, Chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), which oversees the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions, paid tribute on behalf of the organisation.
“It is with great sadness that all of us at EPCR learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We stand with our leagues, unions, clubs and beyond to honor Her Majesty and her inspiring life.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a monarch who embodied steadfastness, dignity and faithful public service, and was greatly admired, respected and loved by people around the world.”
England Rugby said: “On behalf of the rugby union community in England, all members of Rugby Football Union are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and extend our condolences to the entire Royal Family at this time.”
Scottish Rugby said it was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and offered our condolences to the entire royal family,” while Welsh Rugby Union added: “We send the King the sincerest and heartfelt condolences of Welsh rugby Family after the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our royal patron has graced our national stadium many times over 50 years. We thank the Queen for her years of service on this deeply sad day.”
Irish Rugby added: “The IRFU extends our condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our heartfelt condolences to our friends in the Home Unions and their supporters.”
tennis
Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Scott Lloyd said in a statement: “On behalf of the LTA and the tennis community in the UK, I would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty devoted her life to public service during her 70-year reign. She was universally admired and respected across the country and was a tireless supporter of many charities and organizations.
“She graciously gave up her time to open our own National Tennis Center in Roehampton in 2007 and meet our UK players. Their loss will be felt across the country and throughout the Commonwealth.
“Our sport joins the rest of the country in sending our sincere condolences to the royal family.”
athletics
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah spearheaded the athletics tributes, writing, “The Queen was loved around the world and meant so much to so many.
“Meeting you was one of the greatest honors of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and commitment to the British people throughout her reign.”
Former Olympic and 100m world champion Linford Christie said: “Thank you for always showing me your kindness,” while current British sprinter Adam Gemili added: “I really didn’t think I would be so sad. Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you for everything you have done.”
British endurance legend Paula Radcliffe has posted her own tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Instagram
To go biking
British Cycling and a number of prominent teams and riders also paid their respects, with six-time Olympic champion Chris Hoy writing: “I share the sadness and grief of all Britons and many others around the world who are mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “
Hoy, who was knighted in 2009, added: “I have had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty on a number of occasions and have always admired her tremendous dedication and absolute commitment to her role, as well as the generosity and compassion she showed to all.” opposite revealed hit.
“Her Majesty the Queen dedicated her life to our country and guided us through so many historically significant moments with great leadership.”
boxes
British heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua made brief statements on their respective social media accounts.
Fury posted a picture with the words, “Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight may God be with you,” while Joshua simply wrote, “Rest in peace.”
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