Former Olympics chief Jacques Rogge dies at 79

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Jacques Rogge, former president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has died at the age of 79, the organization announced on Sunday.

The Belgian served as the IOC’s eighth president from 2001 to 2013, after which he was named the committee’s honorary president.

Rogge, an orthopedic surgeon with a degree in sports medicine, was also a Belgian rugby champion.

He also competed in sailing for his nation at the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Olympic Games.

“He was an accomplished president, helping to modernize and transform the IOC. He will be remembered particularly for championing youth sport and for inaugurating the Youth Olympic Games. He was also a fierce proponent of clean sport, and fought tirelessly against the evils of doping,” current IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement.

Rogge is survived by his wife, Anne, a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren.