Jacques Rogge Wiki
Jacques Rogge Biography
Who was Jacques Rogge?
Jacques Rogge, the Belgian Olympic navigator and orthopedic surgeon who led the International Olympic Committee as president for 12 years, has passed away. He was 79 years old.
The IOC announced his death on Sunday without giving details. Rogge’s health had visibly worsened when he attended Olympic events since he ended his presidency in 2013.
“First of all, Jacques loved the sport and being with athletes, and he passed this passion on to everyone who knew him,” said Thomas Bach, Rogge’s successor as president, in an IOC statement. “Her joy of him in sports was contagious.”
“He will be particularly remembered for championing youth sport and for opening the Youth Olympic Games,” said Bach.
Rogge represented Belgium in rugby and was a world sailing champion. He competed in the Finnish class in three Olympics from 1968 to 1976.
Jacques Rogge in the last days as president of the IOC
He headed the European group of Olympic committees before being elected the eighth president of the IOC in 2001.
The IOC said the Olympic flag will be hoisted at half mast for five days at the Olympic House in Lausanne.
Rogge leaves behind a wife, Anne, a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren.
“After a private family ceremony, a public memorial service will be held later in the year,” said the OIC, “where members and friends of the Olympic Movement will be able to remember his life and his great contribution to sport.
How old was Jacques Rogge?
He was 79 years old.
