Vale Ray Godkin OAM (1934-2025)

AusCycling life member and hall of fame inductee Ray Godkin OAM has passed away aged 90.    

Godkin was a pioneer of cycling in Australia dedicating much of his life to the advancement of the sport nationally and internationally.  

Born in Homebush, NSW, Godkin was a fitter and turner, then engineer, and joined the NSW Police at 26, forming the NSW Police Accident Investigation Squad in 1982. 

He was a keen cyclist who competed through his teenage years before retiring as an active competitor at age 42. 

His passion for the sport continued off the bike and saw him become involved in cycling administration in the 1970s. He became President of NSW Cycling before being appointed President of the Australian Cycling Federation from 1985 to 2000. 

Australia's Gary Hammond and Ray Godkin after the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Photo: CGA

Godkin was influential during his time at Cycling Australia. Notably he facilitated the introduction of cycling to the Australian Institute of Sport, which led to significant international success at Olympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships for Australian cyclists. 

It wasn’t only at a national level Godkin made an impact on the sport. He became Treasurer of the International Amateur Cycling Federation (FIAC) following the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and was a major contributor in the merger of the professional body with FIAC to form the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). 

He then went on to become UCI Senior Vice President from 1985 to 2008. 

As cycling took up more of his time, Godkin retired from the police force at 55 to become Competition Manager for Cycling at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. 

Ray Godkin with form Prime Minister John Howard at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur 1998 Commonwealth Games team. Photo: CGA

Godkin also held the position of Chairman of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association from 1987 to 1998 and served for four years on the Australian Olympic Committee executive. 

He acted as UCI technical delegate at nine Commonwealth Games and six Olympic Games. 

“Ray Godkin OAM dedicated his life to the advancement of cycling in Australia and internationally. His leadership, vision, and tireless service shaped generations of athletes and administrators. The legacy left by Ray inspire for generations to come,” AusCycling acting CEO Kipp Kaufmann said.  

 Godkin has been recognised for his many achievements with the following honours: 

• 1986 - Life Member New South Wales Cycling. 
• 1989 - Medal of the Order of Australia for services to cycling. 
• 1999- Life Member Cycling Australia. 
• 2000 - Australian Sports Medal. 
• 2015 - Cycling Australia Hall of Fame inductee.  

AusCycling offers its condolences to the Godkin family.