Jaques Rogge has spent 12 years as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The organization announced on Sunday that Jaque has passed away at the age of 79. They have not revealed any details yet.

After his presidency ended in 2013, his health was starting to weaken.

“It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old,” said an IOC statement.

Rogge was the eighth president of the IOC. his tenure lasted from 2001 to 2013. He was then succeeded by Thomas Bach.

“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,” said Bach on Sunday.

“The entire Olympic Movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great friend and a passionate fan of sport. He will be remembered particularly for championing youth sport and for inaugurating the Youth Olympic Games.”

Rogge was an orthopedic surgeon with a degree in sports medicine.

He also played rugby at the international level for Belgium. he had won 16 caps. He was also part of the Olympic Games in 1968, 1972, and 1976.

Rogge became the president of the Belgian and European Olympic Committees after his career as an athlete.

He was then elected as the eighth president of the IOC in 2001. After his tenure of 12 years at IOC, he served as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.

Rogge was married to Anne and he leaves behind a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren.

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