Jim Wood

Jim Wood was an outstanding athlete, skier, and biathlete. He was a double Olympian, appearing at the 1980 Lake Placid and 1984 Sarajevo Winter Games. He took part in the 20km, 10km sprint, and relay at both Games, with a best result of 14th from 63 starters in the 20km in 1984. In between his two Olympic appearances, Wood competed at the 1981 and 1983 World Biathlon Championship in Finland and Italy respectively. His best result was in finishing 27th in the 1983 20 km, from a field of 71.

Wood joined the Army at the age of 16 and became a major in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. Educated at Manchester University, he obtained a BSc in sports science and, with his all-round experience and knowledge of sport, he was appointed secretary of the Army Athletics Association and served on the Army Sports Control Board. He was responsible for organising many activities, including all athletics, cross country and road competitions. Wood was also involved with the Army football section. He was awarded the MBE in 2001 to go with the British Empire Medal (BEM) he won previously.

Wood and his wife Sue were both diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within weeks of each other in December 2019. Sue’s was operable and she was given the all-clear four months later, but Jim’s was not operable and, despite a course of chemotherapy, his tumour spread. Within nine months of diagnosis, Jim Wood passed away.