Jacques Rogge, former IOC president, dies at 79

INA-sources
 
Former International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has died at the age of 79.

Rogge served as president from 2001 to 2013, overseeing three summer Games and three winter Games, as well as creating the Youth Olympics.
"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," current IOC President Thomas Bach, who succeeded Rogge, said in a statement.

Rogge was a rugby player who represented his native Belgium on the national team. He also competed in sailing, representing Belgium at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968, Munich in 1972 and Montreal in 1976.

An orthopedic surgeon, Rogge was an athlete's representative on Belgium's national Olympic committee before him serving as its president from 1989 to 1992.

Rogge also headed the European Olympic Committee from 1989 to 2001 before being elected president of the IOC, taking over from Juan Antonio Samaranch.

After Bach succeeded him, Rogge was named honorary president. He also served as Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.