Team GB Olympian and former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has passed away aged 84.
The Glasgow native represented Team GB in the 200m and 4x100m relay at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo before going on to enjoy a long and distinguished career in politics.
Campbell was part of the quartet to reach the final of the Olympic 4x100m relay in the Japanese capital while also reaching the quarter-finals of the 200m.
He also competed for Scotland at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 100 yards.
Menzies Campbell led an extraordinary life, making a huge impact in many fields
— Geoff Wightman (@WightmanGeoff) September 26, 2025
From personal experience, @scotathletics benefitted greatly from his wisdom and experience in his time as Hon President. He was the ultimate “steady hand on the tiller”
Thank you, Ming
RIP pic.twitter.com/NnCUQNVa7q
Known to many as ‘Ming’, Campbell attended Glasgow University before attending Stanford where he earned a law degree.
In 1968, he was called to the Scottish Bar and became a Queen's Counsel (QC – now KC) in 1982.
Campbell became a Liberal Democrat MP in 1987, representing the North East Fife constituency, a role he would hold for 28 years.
In 2006, he became leader of the Lib Dems and held the role until October 2007. He continued as an MP until 2015.
Campbell was appointed a CBE in 1987 and received a knighthood in 2004.
In 2006, he was appointed as Chancellor of St. Andrews University, from which he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law.
Upon the dissolution of parliament before the 2015 General Election, he was raised to the peerage and entered the House of Lords as Baron Campbell of Pittenweem.
Katherine Grainger, Chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA), paid tribute to Campbell, saying: “I was very lucky to have spent some time with Sir Menzies across a number of years. As a fellow Glaswegian, a law graduate of Glasgow University, a University Chancellor and Olympian, our paths crossed in more ways than expected - and each time it was a pleasure and a privilege.
“Sir Menzies was unfalteringly kind, courteous, engaged and wise in every conversation we shared. Known as The Flying Scotsman, his passion for sport remained strong and he always took an interest in Team GB and the athletes who were doing extraordinary things on the world stage.
“Having set records and represented the country many times over, he understood the enormous challenges faced by athletes and enthused about the pride and inspiration they created. He will be missed by many but his great personal contributions both on and off the track will not be forgotten.
"Thank you Ming.”