European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen dies at 74
European Athletics president Svein Arne Hansen dies at 74
PARIS (AFP) - The president of European Athletics, Svein Arne Hansen, died on Saturday at the age of 74 after failing to recover from a stroke he suffered in March, the federation said.
Hansen spent 24 years as meeting director of the Bislett Games in Oslo and 12 as president of Norway s track and field federation.
He was elected president of European Athletics, the sport s European governing body, in 2015 and was re-elected last year.
He died in Oslo three months after suffering a stroke at his home on March 15.
Dobromir Karamarinov, who took over as European Athletics interim president when Hansen fell ill, said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Svein Arne today. He was a great leader, a visionary for our sport and a charismatic personality within the athletics family.
"He was much loved by all those who knew him well and above all he was a friend of the athletes. We have lost a great man. All my thoughts and wishes go to his family at this difficult time."
