Daily Sports Smile: Sports world reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II

She wasn't an athlete, coach or owner. But the sports world lost an important figure Thursday when Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. In an official statement, the Royal Family said she died peacefully at Balmoral Castle, the family's Scottish vacation home.

She was the longest-tenured queen in British history, reigning for 70 years after ascending to the throne in 1952. Her oldest son, Prince Charles, now becomes king.

The passing of the monarch resulted in mixed reactions as people celebrated her leadership while others reflected on the effects of colonialism.

Several teams, leagues and players took to social media to express their sadness and reflect on fond memories of how she supported the sports world.

RELATED: A's legend remembers greeting Queen Elizabeth II with Three Stooges routine

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King took to Instagram to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. The tennis legend reflected on the time she met the monarch at Wimbledon in 2010, which she said "was a special moment."

"For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense," she wrote with a picture of their meeting. "... She earned her place in history, and she will be missed."

Reggie Jackson, Mr. October

Reggie Jackson reminisced on the time he had a role in the 1988 movie "The Naked Gun" where he was brainwashed to kill Queen Elizabeth II. During a game in the movie, the Hall of Famer pulls a gun on the queen (played by Jeannette Charles), but Detective Frank Drebin, disguised as the home plate umpire, saves the day.

"Now we all know I was innocent ! Amen! RIP Queen E !" Jackson wrote on Twitter.

MORE: Remembering when Queen Elizabeth went to a college football game in 1957

Boxing

British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury showed his support for Queen Elizabeth II by wishing her a peaceful rest on Instagram and sharing a tribute on Twitter. The drawing he posted on the latter shows Her Majesty reunited with her husband, Prince Phillip, with one of her beloved corgis and a caption referencing her childhood nickname, Lilibet.

Gold medal winner and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who received an Order of the British Empire award in 2018 for the queen's birthday honors, also posted a tribute with a white heart. Promoter Eddie Hearn shared a collage of the queen's profile portrait throughout the years with the caption "thank you for everything."

Mo Farah

With 10 medals to his name, Mo Farah is one of the greatest British athletes of all time. The runner was knighted in 2017 by Queen Elizabeth II. He shared a tribute on Twitter with a photo from the momentous day.

"Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life," he said. "We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign."

Premier League, NHL, Formula 1 and others

The NHL paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by sharing a video of the time she ceremoniously dropped the puck in 2002 at a pre-season game between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks in Vancouver. She was given the red carpet treatment as players flanked her while applauding her on the ice with their hockey sticks.

"She held a special place in the hearts of Canadians and, during her 70-year-reign, connected with our game in memorable ways," the league wrote.

The English Premier League honored Queen Elizabeth II with a tribute on Twitter.

"The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II," the post said. "Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty."

The England national team also paid its respects, reflecting on the time the Queen presented the World Cup trophy to the side after winning the 1966 championship.

"It is with profound sadness that we received the news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has passed away," the post said. "Her Majesty the Queen will be forever linked with some of our most memorable moments."

Team captain and Tottenham star Harry Kane wrote on Twitter, "The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty."

Great Britain has a rich history with Formula 1 and four drivers have been knighted by the Royal Family, the latest being Sir Lewis Hamilton, who received the honor in 2021. Formula 1 released a statement from President and CEO Stefano Domenicali honoring Queen Elizabeth II.

“For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world," he said. "Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

Elizabeth Cambage

Basketball star Elizabeth Cambage reflected on the time she met Queen Elizabeth II when Her Majesty visited Australia in 2011.

" moment I will keep forever in my heart," the four-time WNBA All-Star wrote on Instagram with a few photos of the meeting. "Rest in peace to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. There will never be another Queen like her."

Pelé

International soccer icon Pelé was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. Because the Brazilian star has never held British citizenship, the knighthood is only honorary and he cannot use the label "Sir," but the prestige of the acknowledgment remains.

He wrote a lengthy tribute on Instagram in both Portuguese and English along with a picture of the time they first met when Her Majesty came to Brazil to watch the beautiful game.

"On this sad day, I share this memory with all of you and send my message of love and prayers to the British Royal Family and all friends in the United Kingdom," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sports world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death