FIBA exec and IOC member Baumann passes away

MANILA, Philippines— International Basketball Federation (FIBA) secretary general Patrick Baumann passed away on Sunday. He was 51.

News on Baumann’s death was confirmed by the International Olympic Committee, of which the Swiss national is also a member.

The IOC said Baumman died in Buenos Aires.

The Olympic Committee then extended its sympathies to the loved ones of Baumann. The late player, coach and referee was a central figure of the Olympic movement. 

He has been an IOC member since 2007 and was recently appointed as member then president of the of the Evaluation Commission for the Games of XXXIII Olympiad in 2024.

“This is a great shock which has hit us all very hard. We can hardly believe this terrible news. Particularly since, even today, we have seen him working hard, as we always knew him, for the sport he loved,” Thomas Bach, IOC president, said. 

“We lose a young and sympathetic leader full of hope who was standing for the future of sport. Our thoughts are with his wife, his children and his family,” he added.

Baumann is known for dedicating his life to basketball and sport community.

From 1995 to 2002, Baumann served as FIBA’s deputy secretary general. He was appointed secretary general by the FIBA Central board in 2002.

Baumann is also the president of the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games Organizing committee.

Aside from this, Baumann is also the vice-chair of the Coordination Commission for the Games of XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024 after the French capital won the organisation of the Olympic Games 2024. He was also chair of the IOC Coordination Commission Los Angeles 2028, helping the two host cities to work closely with each other. 

The IOC said the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast at the IOC Headquarters and at the IOC Headquarters at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires for three days.

A memorial in Baumann’s honor will also be held at the Youth Olympic Village.