Former IOC President Jacques Rogge Dies At 79; Led Olympic Movement From 2001-2013

Former IOC President Jacques Rogge Dies At 79; Led Olympic Movement From 2001-2013

Jacques Rogge, who was the President of the International Olympic Committee for 12 years, has died at the age of 79. The IOC made the announcement on Sunday, but did not provide further details, including a cause of death. Rogge’s guidance of the IOC ended in 2013, and his health had visibly declined in the years following.

During his tenure as the head of the Olympic movement, Rogge led a fight against doping and saw the IOC enjoy financial success. He was at the head of the organization for three editions of the Summer Games and three versions of the Winter Games. As an athlete, Rogge was a three-time Olympian in sailing for Belgium.

“First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes — and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him,” said current IOC President Thomas Bach. “His joy in sport was infectious.”

When Rogge left his post in 2013, he left having guided the Games to South America for the first time. Rio de Janeiro was selected as host of the 2016 Games during Rogge’s era as president. He also saw the Winter Games head to Russia and South Korea for the first time. In an interview he gave before leaving office, Rogge wanted to be remembered for contributing positively to the Olympics.

“I hope that people, with time, will consider that I did a good job for the IOC,” Rogge once told the Associated Press. “That’s what you legitimately want to be remembered for.”

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