by the Australian Olympic Committee

Mr Gosper, aged 90, passed away on the morning of July 19, after a short illness.

AOC President Ian Chesterman said Mr Gosper had left an indelible mark on Australian and world sport.

“Kevan was one of the true giants of the Olympic movement, not just in Australia but globally.

“His loss will be felt enormously by so many of his friends who are gathering in Paris for the Olympic Games. There will be so many there from across the world who will have a heavy heart today with the news of Kevan’s passing.

“Kevan’s impact in Australia was enormous, as a former President of the AOC and a lifetime servant to sport in this country. But internationally his contribution was equally significant.

“He rose to the heights of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an administrator having performed with distinction in his sport of Athletics, a two-time Olympian who won a silver medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

“Kevan’s record of service is remarkable, having become an IOC member in 1977 he twice served as IOC Vice President and was also twice elected as a member of the IOC Executive. He was involved in some of the biggest decisions of his time.

“His role in leading the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) was something that brought him particular pleasure and his loss will be deeply felt by so many of his friends in the Pacific as well.

“As a young emerging sports administrator, Kevan was someone I personally admired greatly for his impact and effectiveness and I always greatly appreciated his support and counsel, particularly in later years as I took on more senior roles.

“And while Kevan had an incredible corporate career as well as his one in sport, his family was always so important to him and he clearly loved them dearly.

“To Judy, to children Dean, Brett, Richard and Sophie and the extended family, we send our heartfelt condolences on your loss.

“I know you feel you were lucky to have had Kevan in your life, and so do we. He will be greatly missed,” he said.

‍