Clare McDermott

Sad to learn of the death of Clare McDermott. I was in the team he led at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a Games riven by political discord and a Reuter operation beset by a strike: they must rank among the most challenging Olympics we have ever covered. Clare shouldered the responsibility impressively and worked tirelessly to see the job through well. He and I shared a particular interest in swimming and both of us covered the sport in Moscow. You were sure of a warm, good-humoured welcome from Clare. I always found him supportive and encouraging when he was Sports Editor: a big man with a big heart. ■