Celebrating the Legacy of Craig Fallon
Words provided by Jo Crowley (IJF)
In 2005, Craig Fallon stunned the world when he won the -60 kg world championship title. He was a dynamic force in the category, winning medal after medal with panache, power and incredible skill. However, in 2019 he made the unbearable decision to end his life, at only 36, and the judo family lost an icon of the sport.
Craig had friends across the globe, an immensely likeable, calm and gentle character. Such was his impact as an athlete and as a man that some of his closest friends, unable to reconcile this great loss, began to design ways to commemorate Craig and keep his legacy alive while also contributing to the public awareness of mental health issues.
Gavin Davies and Jagjit Khera were just children when they met Craig, himself new to judo, all training together at Wolverhampton Judo Club. Judo, as such a huge part of Craig Fallon’s life, seemed to be the answer and so Gavin and Jagjit came up with the ‘Craig Fallon Cup,’ an event to encourage friendly competition, judo values and team spirit. The first edition ran in 2022 and so this year’s was the third annual Craig Fallon Cup. Alongside the event, they established the ‘Craig Fallon Foundation’ to raise money for mental health charities and athlete education.
This weekend saw 300 judoka gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the judo star. International athletes donated items to be auctioned, the British Olympic team arrived to take part in a Paris-esque mixed team match with local children, and the atmosphere of the day exuded friendship and respect.
To open the day Jagjit Khera delivered a welcome speech, “Hello everyone, thank you all for attending and joining us to celebrate Craig’s life. The fantastic turnout is testament to how highly Craig was regarded within our sport. Craig was a true gentleman and we are sure many of you will have stories to echo that.
For those that don’t know Craig was an exceptional Judoka, his achievements include becoming world champion in 2005, European champion in 2006, Commonwealth champion in 2002 and he was a double Olympian.”
“Unfortunately we lost Craig in 2019 following his struggle with mental wellbeing. The aims of The Craig Fallon Foundation are therefore to continue Craig’s legacy within judo while highlighting and helping with mental health issues within and also outside the sport of judo. We also aim to help support athletes with funding for tournaments, training and general requirements. We help to support retiring athletes with funding for courses and we also donate to Mind Mental Health Charity.”
“Please remember, It’s not weak to speak! If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing then speak to family, friends or colleagues. If you can’t approach them, then reach out to charities such as Mind, the Samaritans, Shout, and Young Minds.”
Following a minute of applause in Craig Fallon’s honour the tournament was underway.
Chelsie Giles, 2021 Olympic bronze medallist, was present throughout the day despite being in the thick of her preparations for the Paris Games in just two week’s time. She said, “It’s important to take part in this special event. It’s a great experience for the younger ones to fight Olympians in our mixed team match and I hope it inspires them. It’s important to attend these events and show support for good causes and to be part of judo’s development domestically. This is part of the legacy left by such a great champion. The spectators and our home supporters really appreciate us being here and that makes everyone feel good”
Fitzroy Davis, Craig Fallon’s friend and coach said, “This event is an honour to be a part of. To see all these children fighting, one of whom might turn into a champion such as Craig, is very special. I hope it continues for many years to come.”
“He’s not there at the end of the phone anymore and so this event brings us all together and makes lots of us feel there’s still a connection. It’s great that Gavin and the team are running such a positive event. From British Judo, to IJF staff, elite athletes and local clubs, so many people are supporting it and that speaks volumes about the impact Craig had.
He loved the sport. He wore the rings on his kit, was a world champion, but didn’t reach that elusive Olympic medal. He’d have loved this legacy, giving the young ones a chance to develop and possibly one day win that medal with a little piece of him as part of it.”
Of the 300 judoka registered, there were Youth Olympic and European cadet medallists from yesteryear as well as Olympians from London 2012, fuelling some exciting team matches. Gavin Davies noted, “There are a lot of people who we couldn’t do it without but really, regardless of medals won, it’s just a group of people who loved, respected and now miss Craig.”
Gavin works all year round to ensure the now annual event is a great success and he is already planning next year’s tournament. With such a high profile domestically, there are plans to expand and reach further, to invite friends from other countries to join in the unique celebration.
Gavin said, “Craig to me was a friend, a rival and also an idol. We shared many amazing life experiences together, sometimes judo-related but often away from the sport. These are moments I will treasure forever.
Losing Craig in 2019 was one of the hardest life experiences I have had and I don’t think life will ever be the same, not having him around. He was a world champion judoka but he was an even better person. Establishing The Craig Fallon Foundation in his memory is our way of keeping Craig’s legacy alive, promoting the values he stood for and the judo he mastered. We hope the next generation will watch his videos and feel our respect for him and be inspired to achieve great things too.
The Craig Fallon Cup has gathered momentum quickly and has been supported incredibly well by everyone, especially our elite judoka who take part or help out however they can. We are very proud of everyone’s commitment to our aims; it is a great legacy. We are already looking forward to next year’s event; bigger, better and with an even greater contribution to the world of sport, to the legacy of Craig Fallon and to the tackling of mental health issues among athletes everywhere.”
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