Just what the doctor ordered
Jacques Rogge has reshaped an organisation that was previously seen as corrupt and poorly managed
Twelve years after taking over an IOC recovering from its worst ethics scandal, Jacques Rogge is leaving with the Olympic body in much sturdier shape but facing serious challenges.
The 71-year-old Belgian steps down as president on Tuesday after steering the International Olympic Committee through a period of relative stability that spanned three Summer Olympics and three Winter Games.
Rogge, an orthopaedic surgeon who competed in three Olympics in sailing, is completing his term with a reputation for bringing a calm, steady hand to the often turbulent world of Olympic politics.
He took a hard line against doping and ethics violations, created the Youth Olympics, oversaw a growth in IOC finances during a time of global economic crisis and made peace with the US Olympic Committee after years of bitter squabbling over revenues.
Under Rogge's watch, the IOC has also taken the Olympics to new places - including awarding the 2016 event to Rio de Janeiro for the first Games in South America.
He was the right person at the right time. He has brought stability to the organisation
"I hope that people, with time, will consider that I did a good job for the IOC," said Rogge, with typical understatement. "That's what you legitimately want to be remembered for."