News

SJA stalwart John Samuel is admitted to hospital

John Samuel, the sports editor of The Guardian from 1968 to 1986, is seriously ill in hospital after a heart attack and a stroke.

John Samuel, left, receiving the SJA's highest honour, the Doug Gardner Award for services to sports journalism, from Barry Newcombe in 2012
John Samuel, left, receiving the SJA’s highest honour, the Doug Gardner Award, from Barry Newcombe in 2012

John started journalism as a 16-year-old covering the VE Day celebrations for the Evening Argus in Brighton and, at the age of 84, he was still writing golf and skiing travel articles.

He has been a stalwart of the Sports Journalists’ Association (he was chairman of the journalism awards judges in 2003-2004) and was captain of the Press Golfing Society in 1990.

He is in the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath and is unable at present to have visitors.

“All his friends and colleagues at the SJA wish John a speedy recovery,” Steven Downes, the SJA Secretary, said.

“John’s has been a stalwart supporter of the Association, and we’d like to offer similar support for him and his family now.”

 


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