Susie Simcock was a leader, an inspiration, and a pioneer for women in sport in New Zealand and around the world.
Susie passed away late last week, following a short illness, and will be mourned by members of the Olympic and Commonwealth Sport movements.
In the words of New Zealand Olympic Committee President Mike Stanley, she was a “true reformer and champion for what is right in the world, with impeccable logic and the ability to connect to all.”
A long-standing board member of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (1996 - 2008), she was also the first, and only, female President of the International Squash Federation, going on to be named Emeritus President. She was also the first female council member of the General Assembly of International Sporting Federations (GAISF) in 2000 and Vice-President of the Association of Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), which position she held for seven years.
From 2002 – 2010 Susie was a governor for the International Masters Games Association (IMGA).
She was the chair of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Women in Sport Commission, winner of the 2010 IOC Women in Sport Trophy and was awarded the Commonwealth Games Order of Merit in 2018.
Alongside these international governance positions, Susie was dedicated to New Zealand sport, and women in sport around the world. Her experience, determination and warmth combined, enabling her to encourage, inspire and cajole people to make a real difference.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith was mentored by Susie and acknowledges her significant contribution. “
“Susie was highly regarded and hugely respected but by all of us working in international sport and governance. She was a strong leader and advocate for the power of sport to do good, particularly for women.
"She was more than her achievements," Smith added. "Her enduring qualities were her warmth, energy and spirit - these are what made her so special.”
Sir Eion Edgar, Honorary President of the NZOC also acknowledged her contribution.
“Her worldwide connections and wonderful ability to strike an accord with so many international sports administrators helped keep New Zealand’s position as a recognised participant on the world stage,” he said.
“She was an outstanding leader ensuring the increased participation of women in sports leadership.”
NZOC President Mike Stanley also credited Susie’s leadership style and ability to engage and inspire those around her with positivity and growth. “Her contributions were always elevating and empowering, he said. “She helped others to be better people, in better organisations.”
The New Zealand Olympic Committee sends their deepest condolences to Susie’s family.
Susie Simcock 1938 – 2020
Leadership Positions
International:
- First female Emeritus President of World Squash Federation (2002 - 2008)
- First female President of World Squash Federation (1996 - 2002)
- Vice-President of World Squash Federation (1989 - 1996)
- First female Council Member of General Assembly of International Sporting Federations (2000 - 2007)
- Governor on the Board of the International Masters Games Association (2002 - present)
- Vice-President Association of Recognised International Sports Federations (1998 - 2005)
- Various management roles with Women’s International Squash Federation (1980-1987)
National:
- Board member of New Zealand Olympic Committee – including the CGA (1996 - 2008)
- Board member of New Zealand Golf (2005 - 2008)
- Board member Women’s Golf NZ (2002 - 2005)
- Governor – New Zealand Sports Foundation (1993 - 2001)
- Member NZ Government’s Talent Identification Taskforce (2003-2004)
- Member of Government’s Review Committee into High Performance Sport (1995)
- Hillary Commission Women’s Advisory Group (1994 – 2001)
- Member New Zealand Olympic Committee Women in Sport Committee (2003 – 2012).
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