Hugo Olivier (RSA), former President of the South African Amateur Gymnastics Union and FIG General Gymnastics Committee member, passed away in Capetown on August 23 at the age of 80.

During his tenure as President of the South African Amateur Gymnastics Union from the early 1980s to 1999, Olivier oversaw vast changes in South African Gymnastics, including the transformation of the SAAGU into the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF), as it is known today. He also served on the inaugural African Gymnastics Union Executive Committee, which came into being in 1990. Upon his retirement in 2000, he received an FIG Silver Recognition award.

 “Hugo was a great person: intelligent, friendly and so funny!” recalled Margaret Sikkens Ahlquist (SWE), who served on the FIG General Gymnastics Committee (now called the Gymnastics for All Committee) with Olivier from 1996 to 2000. “We really missed him when he left the committee.”

“Mr. Olivier served on multiple ministerial task teams and South African macro bodies, being a leader in sports administration and playing a vital part in formulating sports policies,” said Tseko Mogotsi, Chief Executive Officer of the SAGF. “May his soul rest in peace.”

On behalf of the international Gymnastics community, the FIG wishes to convey its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Hugo Olivier.