The British Olympic Association is today sad to hear of the passing of Olympic silver medallist Germaine Mason, who passed away at the age of 34 following a motorcycle crash in Jamaica.
Mason, who competed for Team GB in the high jump event at Beijing 2008, returned with silver and was part of a British Olympic team who won 47 medals in China, a record away haul for Team GB at the time. Mason equalled his personal best of 2.34m in the competition.
Mason was born in Jamaica but switched allegiance to Britain in 2006 through his father's country of birth having won world indoor bronze in 2004.
Bill Sweeney, Chief Exec of the British Olympic Association said: “The whole of the BOA is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Germaine Mason. Germaine was a great athlete, an Olympian and a silver medal winning part of Team GB who made history at Beijing 2008. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Ben Hawes, Chair of the BOA's Athletes' Commission said: "On behalf of all Team GB Olympians I would like to express our shock and deep sadness at this news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and with the wider athletics community. Winning a silver medal in Biejing places him amongst a unique group of athletes and underlines what a talented individual he was."