Everyone at Commonwealth Games Scotland was saddened to learn of the recent passing of two influential Team Scotland alumni, Joan Watt and Derek Forsyth.

Joan contributed over 50 years to the Commonwealth games movement  following her first Games as a Village Physiotherapist at the 1970 Games in Edinburgh.

She subsequently served on the Scottish team in physiotherapist roles at each Games between 1982 and 2002, before stepping into the role of Shooting Team Manager for Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010. She was Vice Chair of the Medical Group for the Glasgow 2014 bid and a member of the Medical Advisory Group for the Games.

She served as Honorary Medical Advisor on the CGS Board between 2003 and 2020, when she was awarded life membership of CGS. She was given a CGF Merit Award in 2016 in recognition of her services to the Commonwealth Games.

Joan also served as lead physiotherapist at Olympic Games, World and European Championships for Athletics and Shooting, as well as several other sports. She was a former Chairperson and first female President of Scottish Athletics.

Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE said: “Joan made a huge contribution to the Commonwealth Games and more widely to Scottish and was a pioneer in Scottish and UK sport across different fields from administration to physiotherapy, sports massage and anti-doping.

“Her friendship, advice and welcoming smile will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Neil, her wider family and many friends in the sporting world and beyond.”

Derek served as Head Coach to the Scotland Men’s Hockey team at the last three Commonwealth Games, having been assistant coach in Delhi 2010. The team’s sixth place finish at the Gold Coast in 2018 remains their highest-ever finish.

His contribution to Scottish Hockey spans several decades, including roles as Men’s National Team Coach, Assistant Coach, Scotland U21 Men’s Head Coach and, most recently, Performance Programme Manager.

His time in charge delivered success including promotion to the top tier of European hockey and a highest ever world ranking.

Jon said: “As a highly respected and influential coach of exacting standards, Derek was a key part of Team Scotland over his four Games and his passing will be a huge loss to Scottish Hockey and Scottish sport in general.

“Our thoughts go out to Lynn, David, Alan and everyone who knew, was coached by, and worked with Derek. He will be sorely missed.”