Two-Time Badminton Olympian Lauren Smith’s Father Andrew Dies At 61 After 21-Month Fight With Brain Cancer
May he rest in peace!
June 19, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on June 19, 2026
British badminton star Lauren Smith has announced the heartbreaking loss of her father, Andrew Smith, who passed away at the age of 61 after a courageous 21-month battle with brain cancer.
In a deeply emotional tribute shared on social media, Lauren reflected on the depth of her loss and the special bond she shared with her father.
She said,
“Heartbroken to be sharing this. In the early hours on Monday morning, my Dad passed away after his 21-month battle with brain cancer at just 61 years old 🤍 I still can’t find the words that feel adequate, it certainly hasn’t sunk in yet, it just feels empty. I keep catching myself wanting to send him a message, tell him about my day or ask if he’s free for a dog walk.”
Via InstagramShe continued,
“I was so lucky to have him. He gave me the happiest childhood, filled with fun and love. And he was always so proud of me. I’m so thankful he got to see me become a mam, and that Milo got to know his grandad, even just for a little while. I’ll treasure those memories and cuddles for the rest of my life and I hope I can be half the parent to Milo that he was to me. I miss him more than I can ever say. My world will never feel as whole again 🕊️”
Via InstagramAndrew’s support for his daughter never wavered.
Whether proudly watching her dominate on the world stage or simply enjoying a walk with the family dog, he was a constant source of strength, love, and pride.
He lived to see Lauren become a mother herself, a memory she now treasures deeply.
As Lauren continues her journey both in sport and in life, she carries the legacy of a father who believed in her endlessly and a love that will never fade.
Lauren Smith’s Parents Were Involved In Sports
Lauren Smith’s love for badminton was rooted in her family.
Her mother, Nicola Highmore, was a top local player, and both her father, Andrew, and stepfather were involved in the sport.
From a young age, Lauren was surrounded by rackets, shuttlecocks, and a deep passion for competition.
She once described being passed around in a carry cot while her mom played, stating,
“It was kind of inevitable, I think.”
That early exposure translated into greatness.
Raised in Cumbria, Lauren attended William Howard School in Carlisle, balancing multiple sports including netball and running.
Yet, badminton always came first. She represented England at the age of 14, launching what would become a remarkable international career.
Despite her global success, Lauren has always credited her parents as her greatest inspiration.
On Mother’s Day, she once said:
“You’ve always inspired me to be strong, competitive (to a fault!), to love sport. You’ve shown me how to embrace the fun in everything and how to show up for the people you love 💞
I only hope I can be as amazing a mam as you have been for me 🥰”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lauren Smith, born on September 26, 1991, stands as one of Britain’s most accomplished badminton athletes with an impressive medal collection spanning multiple international competitions.
- Her Commonwealth Games success includes seven medals across three tournaments: bronze and silver at Glasgow 2014, silver and bronze at Gold Coast 2018, and two silvers at Birmingham 2026.
- Partnering with Marcus Ellis, who is both her mixed doubles partner and real-life partner, she reached the quarterfinals at the Tokyo 2026 Olympics, solidifying her place among international badminton’s elite.
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