The only Welsh athlete to have won more Olympic golds was water polo and swimming ace Paulo Radmilovic, who claimed four between 1908 and 1920.

In 1972 he was voted BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year, also coming third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year poll, while two years later he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE).

In this time, his team mates included Princess Anne, one of Britain's four current International Olympic Committee members.

"Richard, at the height of his powers, towered over the eventing world," British Eventing chairman Hugh Thomas said. 

"His results far exceeded the innate ability of many of the horses he rode, and he was at his very best when riding at the major events and championships.

"Then he gave countless time and effort to supporting the sport he loved, his passing really does feel like the end of an era."

Richard Meade (second right) poses with British team mates following their successful defence of the Olympic team title at Munich 1972 ©Getty Images



Later in his career, Meade served as President of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and chairman of the British Horse Society, while he was also a member of the Eventing Committee of the International Equestrian Federation.

"Richard's medal record speaks for itself," BEF chief executive Andrew Finding said.

"He was one of our country's greatest-ever Olympians, and continued throughout his life to be an outstanding ambassador and sportsman.

"He cared deeply about the sport and we will miss him dearly."

Meade had been receiving cancer treatment since being diagnosed in October.

He is survived by his wife Angela and their three children, with middle son Harry currently a member of the British equestrian team which won a World Championship team silver medal in 2014.

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