Sports journalist dies during Australian Open broadcast
Renowned sports journalist Mike Dickson has passed away while reporting on the Australian Open.
The father-of-three was just 10 days away from celebrating his 60th birthday when he collapsed on Wednesday, with his heartbroken family confirming the news of his passing.
“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and Dad, Mike, has collapsed and died while in Melbourne for the Aus Open,” his wife Lucy wrote, also attributing the statement to their children Sam, Lucy and Joe.
“For 38 years he lived his dream covering sport all over the world. He was a truly great man and we will miss him terribly.”
Australian Open organisers said tournament officials were shocked by the news of the popular journalist.
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mike, our long-standing colleague and friend. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family," the organisation said on X.
The UK Daily Mail reporter’s passing has led to scores of tributes including from tennis greats such as Tim Henman and the organisers of the US Open and Wimbledon.
The organisers of Wimbledon said it was “deeply saddened” by Mr Dickson’s death.
“Mike covered so many of our Championships during his remarkable career in journalism and brought so many stories to so many sports fans around the world.”
The US Open said he was “one of the most well respected journalists in the industry,” while the World Tennis Association said Mr Dickson was a “highly respected figure on Tour among players, coaches, staff and everyone connected with tennis”.
British tennis player Tim Henman held back tears on TV when discussing Mr Dickson, saying, “It’s incredibly sad that he passed away in Melbourne. He was a great friend of the tennis community”.
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