He chaired the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2013. Belgian Jacques Rogge died at the age of 79, the institution said on Sunday. Rogge was the eighth President in the history of the IOC. The current leader, the German Thomas Bach, succeeded him in 2013.
Rugby and sailing
A former Belgian rugby international, Rogge took part in the Olympic Games three times, in 1968, 1972 and 1976, taking part in the “Finn” sailing events, in which he was world champion. Before assuming the presidency of the IOC, he headed the Belgian Olympic Committee, as well as the European Olympic Committees, the body which brings together 50 European Olympic Committees.
“Jacques was above all a sports enthusiast who loved being in contact with athletes, a passion that he passed on to all those who knew him. His joy in sport was communicative, ”recalled Thomas Bach, quoted in the press release.
Creator of the Youth Olympic Games
“He was an accomplished president who helped modernize and transform the IOC. He will be particularly remembered for having encouraged the practice of sport among young people and for having created the Youth Olympic Games. He was also a fervent defender of clean sport and he fought tirelessly against the scourge of doping, ”recalled the current IOC President. “The entire Olympic movement mourns the loss of a great friend and a sports enthusiast,” he concluded.
CIO: Thomas Bach succeeds Jacques Rogge