Tributes to 'impeccable' three-time Olympian who became director of public health in Kent

Tributes have been paid to a "much-loved and inspirational" three-time Olympian who became the director of public health at Medway Council. Former team GB fencer James Williams, who was admired far and wide in the sporting world and at the local authority, sadly died after a short illness.

Many, many people have rushed to pay tribute to Mr Williams, with descriptions including "an incredible, passionate, articulate and compassionate man" to "an impeccable man has left us too soon" to simply "top man".

He had a fascinating life story which saw him serve in the British Army for 10 years, reach the pinnacle of sporting prowess by competing at the Olympics in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, to taking care of health protection and improvement for Medway.

He joined Medway Council in 2017 and was this week credited with "transforming" the council's approach to the delivery of public health. "His ambition and compassion were evident not just in the outcomes he drove in the community but in the way he led his team," said the council.

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British Fencing said he was a "much respected" member of the fencing community, who had been a board member, Olympic team manager and Sabre coach.

Medway Council described him as a "much-loved, admired and inspirational person to all who met him", while the Association of Directors of Public Health said he was an "incredibly valued and active" member.

In addition to competing in the trio of Olympics, he also was the official commentator and presented at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for public health Teresa Murray said: “James was very much an Olympian in all senses of the word. His passion for focusing on building resilience within communities and his focus on intervention at an early stage to prevent the development of poor health has meant that the people of Medway are leading better, healthier lives as a result of his hard work."

"James’ leadership of Medway’s response to COVID-19 was extraordinary and exemplary, orchestrating many local initiatives to help protect lives and he was a trusted local and national voice helping people to stay safe throughout the pandemic.

"We are also very proud of the role James played in shaping the transformation of the NHS services within Kent and Medway and in the wider public health agenda across the south east region. James will be incredibly missed.”

While the Mayor of Medway Nina Gurung said on X: "Words cannot express our Borough’s profound sadness at the passing of one of Medway’s greatest health champions, the incredibly inspiring director of Public Health, James Williams. Our utmost gratitude and respect to James for always putting Medway’s health and wellbeing first."

Mr Williams came from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire and in an interview with Team GB in July last year, with his familiar laugh and smile, he described how his mum was an avid knitter, so he and his brothers used to watch The Three Musketeers and "we'd be at each other with the needles".

He said: "But no, I never actually fenced when I was a young lad. I'd always been interested in military stuff, and I thought 'Do you know what?', I can get into doing stuff that I enjoy and also go into an educational programme as well. So I thought, well, engineering, why not be a Royal Engineer?

"That is when a chap called Les Welham got a hold of me. He said 'Ah, you need to fence'. The turning point for me came when I was on a tour and we came back from that to fence against the British team, and I was beating some of them and that's what launched me into getting to the Barcelona Games in 1992.

"The Barcelona Team, I went down with my boots on. Atlanta (1996) I retired the 'American Ninja' (Peter Westbrook) in the initial round. Sydney (2000), My goodness me. I threw it away because I didn't do the basics."

"As a Director of Public Health, my role is now to oversee the system. So I look at things around health protection. I do the health improvement side as well, so I have a large team."

"I will always champion the underdog, because I know what it's like to be an underdog. I'll always use the opportunity where I can to diversity, to make sure that people, from whatever background, whatever creed, colour, religion, get an opportunity to achieve their potential, whether that's in that health space or in that sporting space."

"As long as I'm able to do that, I will keep doing it. And the NHS, in its 75 years, has demonstrated that it's there to treat people without fear or favour. Free at the point of use."

Mr Williams was placed 16th at the Olympic Games in Sydney; 27th in Atlanta; and Team 12th in Barcelona. At the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Games (Kuala Lumpur, 1998) he won individual bronze and team gold (England).

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