Jul 29, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; A general overall view of the Olympic rings outside of New National Stadium, the venue for track and field and opening and closing ceremonies during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Former International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has died at age 79, the IOC announced Sunday.
Rogge led the organization from 2001-13, a term that spanned three Summer Games (Athens, Beijing and London) and three Winter Games (Salt Lake City, Turin and Vancouver).
It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old. https://t.co/3bVyhbnBP3
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 29, 2021
An orthopedic surgeon and an accomplished athlete from Belgium, Rogge competed in sailing in three Olympics (1968, 1972 and 1976).
“First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes — and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him. His joy in sport was infectious,” IOC president Thomas Bach said in a news release.
Bach said Rogge would be especially remembered for championing youth sports and clean sports. “(He) fought tirelessly against the evils of doping,” Bach said.
Following his term as president, Rogge served as an honorary president for the IOC and as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.
Rogge is survived by his wife, Anne, their two children and two grandchildren.
–Field Level Media