ATHLETICS Craig Reedie, the former chairman of the British Olympic Association, was knighted yesterday at Buckingham Palace, writes Doug Gillon. Sir Craig, from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, was appointed Knight Batchelor in recognition of his role in helping secure the 2012 Olympics for London. It was an upgrade from his CBE for services to sport.

He had met the Queen several times during his 13 years as BOA chairman, including when she entertained the International Olympic Committee at the palace but yesterday's mode of dress was remarked on by her. "She has hosted a number of events here, " explained the kilted Reedie. "She said: 'I didn't recognise you dressed like that'."

He was an unsung hero of London's bid, from the BOA's launch in 1997 through to his delivery, in French, as part of the presentation team which secured the vote over Paris last year. He regards the honour as one for the whole BOA staff: "Everyone worked very hard, " he said.

He added that London's preparations were going extremely well and said: "If we can do as well as Sydney orAthens, I'd be happy. I think we can put on a marvellous event."

He was a board member of the 2012 bid committee and is now a director of the organising committee. He was a member of the IOC evaluation commission for both Athens and Beijing, and is on the programme commission for future Olympics. He is also treasurer of the World AntiDoping Agency.

He is also "sympathetic to Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games bid . . . I'm helping behind the scenes."

A lawyer and retired financial services adviser, he played international badminton before becoming secretary of that sport's international federation.

Alan Mills, the Wimbledon referee who retired last year after 23 years, received a CBE. The 70-year-old disqualified Tim Henman in 1995 after he had angrily smashed a shot which hit a ball-girl on the head, and had several confrontations with John McEnroe.