Three is a Magic Number – English Officials Take the World Stage at Paris 2024

As the world’s attention shifts to the Paralympics, we take a moment to reflect on the unsung heroes of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the boxing competitions were fair, the rules were strictly followed, and the spirit of sportsmanship was apparent.

Among these dedicated professionals were Michael Norford, Ray Morley, and Lee Innes, three distinguished boxing officials selected to play crucial roles at one of the most prestigious events in sports.

Norford and Morley served as International Technical Officials, where they were tasked with overseeing all activities in and around the ring, ensuring everything was conducted in accordance with Olympic Boxing regulations. Meanwhile, Innes took on the vital role of referee, positioned ringside to uphold the integrity of the matches.

Reflecting on his career with the Ministry of Defence, both in the Navy and as a civil servant, Norford draws parallels between these experiences: “You must be at the top of your game, know the rules inside and out and more importantly be able to apply them fairly, consistently and correctly. My career has proven to be extremely valuable in being able to carry out my Olympic duties in a fair and even-handed way.”

He continued: “Being part of the Olympics is almost certainly the dream of every sportsperson at any level, clearly only a small minority ever realise that dream. Having been an international official for more than 20 years, reaching the very highest level as an international referee, I can tell you it is equally as difficult to get to the Games as an official!”

Innes, who was awarded an MBE in 2010 for his combined services in sport for the Army said: “To get the Games has been the icing on the cake, I’ve achieved everything I’ve set out to do. I had a grin on my face for the three weeks before I flew out, although it was under embargo and no one knew why.

Although I have played for the Rugby League, Football and Boxing nothing compares to the environment at the Olympics. The venue held around 12,000 people in Paris and the atmosphere was electric, the noise was deafening!”

Morley, also an MBE recipient with a background in the Royal Armed Forces, looks to the future, “Truthfully I think it has only bolstered my belief that boxing deserves to remain a central sport in the Olympic Games, it has been synonymous with the ancient event in the early days and it drives to many people to excel. Everyone understands the importance and the history of it all.”