LAUSANNE, Switz., April 13, 2021—The FIE is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Keith Andrew Smith (MBE, GBR), a former member of the FIE Refereeing Commission and FIE referee, at the age of 58.
Keith Smith led a dedicated career in fencing, playing numerous roles over many years.
He was a member of the FIE refereeing Commission from 2004 to 2012, and served as an examiner in 2005 and 2006, an FIE refereeing delegate at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, Junior & Cadet and Senior World Championships, and several editions of the World University Games African Games Zonal Championships and Grand Prix events.
As an FIE referee in foil, epee and sabre, he officiated at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, at the World Championships (1990 to 2004.) and in multiple additional events.
He was Vice-President of the European Fencing Confederation from 2005 to 2009 and a member of its Refereeing Commission.
Keith Smith was President of British Fencing Association from 2000 to 2012, the organizer of the 2009 Belfast Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships and co-organiser of the 2011 European Championships in Sheffield.
A schoolteacher by profession, Mr. Smith was a teacher and head of the History and Politics Department at the Whitgift School in Surrey since the 1980s.
On behalf of our world fencing family, the FIE extends its deepest condolences to Keith Smith’s spouse, Karina Hoskyns, his family and friends, as well as the British Fencing Association and European Fencing Confederation during this challenging time.