WADA statement on the passing of former IOC President Jacques Rogge

The World Anti-Doping Agency was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, who has died at the age of 79. Mr. Rogge led the IOC from 2001-2013 and did so with skill and passion.

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “WADA would like to recognize the tremendous contribution Mr. Rogge made both within sport and indeed wider society throughout his life, as a giant in the world of sport. He was an athlete first having played international rugby and having represented his native Belgium in sailing at three Olympic Games.

“His tenure at IOC President coincided with the early years of WADA and he played a vital role in its evolution. During that time, he gave the Agency his full and unquestioning support as he knew the importance of anti-doping for the ongoing success of sport. Without his strong leadership as an advocate for clean sport, it is unlikely WADA would have enjoyed the success it did in those early years as it managed to harmonize anti-doping across all sports and countries of the world. My deepest condolences and those of everyone at WADA go to Mr. Rogge’s friends and family, as well as all our colleagues at the IOC.”