John Willmott, Seoul Olympics liaison and hockey bon viveur, dies aged 72

John Willmott, who has died aged 72, was a true bon viveur in the world of hockey, who loved playing the game and helped shape the sport off it. He helped organise the 1988 Hockey World Cup as event director, becoming a fan and official team fixer two years later when GB won gold at the Seoul Olympics and then helped turn Southgate HC into a modern club thanks to his prowess in the building industry.

And there were stories aplenty, too. And as event director at the 1986 Men’s World Cup, he had plenty of insight. During the semi-final between England and West Germany, Willmott turned to his colleagues and remarked that the match unfolding in front of him would form the centrepiece for the Olympic final in Seoul. ‘And I’m going to watch,’ he added.