The Society of Sports Therapists is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our founder, Professor Graham N. Smith.
For more than four decades, Graham was a driving force in sports rehabilitation, championing education, professional standards, and the recognition of sports therapists as skilled healthcare practitioners. From his work in elite and Olympic sport to leading The Society for over 30 years, his vision helped shape the profession we are proud to represent today.
His legacy lives on in every graduate sports therapist and in the standards he fought tirelessly to uphold.
Read the full obituary here.
We invite friends, Members and colleagues to leave a comment below to share their memories, condolences, and well wishes to Graham’s family at this difficult time.
Genuinely saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. I have many great memories of working with him. He was someone we all looked up to, but he would always have time for quiet meaningful words. He was a true master of ceremonies – seen at many conferences and university forums, and he had a great memory for the small things too. He certainly supported me over the years, and as the very well-worded obituary emphasised, he drove our profession into the professional landscape. Thank you and big respect to Graham and deep condolences to his family. KW
Thank you Graham for your help guidance and friendship
You made a great difference for so many
I was deeply saddened to hear of Prof. Graham loss. During my placement at Surbiton Cup, he was someone whose guidance and support truly meant a great deal to me. His advice helped shape my path toward becoming a Sports Therapist today, and I will always be greatful for the time, knowledge, and encouragement he so generously gave me. He will be remembered not only for his professionlism and dedication, but also for the kindness and patience he showed to those learning from him. His impact will continue to live on in the many people he inspired.
My thoughts are with you and family at this difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
Really saddened to hear this awful news.
I always found Graham to be really good company. Like many physios of my era, I saw him as a valuable guide and mentor.
He was a true pioneer in the sports medicine world and will be greatly missed.
Really sad to see this. Graham was such a driving force in the industry. He has had a huge impact on me and my company not least by us having many graduate sports therapists working on the team, who have been amazing. 💙
Graham was an inspiration for me during my sports medicine training in 1992. His lectures and those of Wilf Paish, Mike Hutson and Malcolm Read stood out (amongst the greyness bestowed by “traditional” medicine and science). His humour, passion, drive and energy should be an example to us all. He was prepared to challenge his own profession and lead from the front, qualities sadly lacking in the so called leaders of today. A true great for me, Graham Smith. Our much promised meet up to watch an old firm
derby never materialised.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Graham N Smith. The prof was an inspiration to me and his support through my Diploma and Graduate achievements would not have happened without his influences and support. I’m sure that I speak for all of the Sports Therapists from Northern Ireland when I say that he will be sorely missed
So saddened to hear the news of Prof. Graham Smith who, along with Alan Hodson of the FA Diploma in Treatment & management of Injuries, at Lilleshall Hall, helped shape my career, providing a solid foundation and support network to set out in a profession which Graham has continued to lead and develop with strong principles in place. My sympathy to family & close friends.
Sad to hear of his passing. I still remember the first time I met Graham on my first day of starting my degree in Sports Therapy back in 2002. He was very passionate and approachable.
I trained under Graham with his diploma course and residential at Keele University in 1993 he was instrumental in my gaining jobs at both Teesside University and the University of Central Lancashire. My family and I have much to thank him for. his philosophy of early rehabilitation and sports specific exercise as the major pillars of any treatment plan still resonate today..
The profession has much to thank him for..