Sailors of the World could not be prouder and more supportive that one of ours [a sailor] has assumed the most prestigious office in sport, that of President of the International Olympic Committee.
Elected as the IOC President on Monday 16 July 2001, Jacques was a world class sailor and Olympic competitor, and as he has already pointed out, "He is a man of the sea."
ISAF has already arranged a bed in the Olympic Sailing Village in Qingdao at the sailing venue for Beijing 2008 so he can return to his true roots.
Sailing is a sport that has no reverse gear and is environmentally friendly using the sea and wind.
Sailors are convinced that Jacques will move the IOC positively forward respecting the athletes and
International Federations while totally committed to respecting the world environmental concerns.
Being a medical doctor his compassion for others is well known and his strong ties to his family, all of whom also are sailors, will ensure that although storms will be
encountered in the Olympic Movement Jacques Rogge will steer the ship he has been entrusted to Captain to a safe
and calm harbour.
Note:
Jacques competed in the Finn Class at the sailing regatta of the Games of the Olympiad in Mexico (1968), Munich (1972) and Montreal (1976).