Avery Brundage

Date of Birth: September 28, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 8, 1975

Biography

Avery Brundage was an American sports administrator and athlete who served as the fifth president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1952 to 1972. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Chicago, Brundage was an accomplished track and field athlete, competing in the decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics where he finished sixth. After retiring from competition, he became deeply involved in sports administration, advocating for amateurism in sports and often taking controversial stances on various issues, including the participation of professional athletes in the Olympic Games and political interference in sports. Brundage’s tenure as IOC President was marked by significant events, including the boycotts of the 1956 and 1972 Olympic Games, the expulsion of South Africa from the Olympic movement due to its apartheid policies, and the tragic terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He was a staunch defender of the Olympic ideal of amateurism and sought to keep the Games free from political influence, although his decisions were often met with criticism.

5 Interesting Facts about Avery Brundage

1. Avery Brundage competed in the decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

2. He served as President of the International Olympic Committee from 1952 to 1972, the longest tenure of any IOC President.

3. Brundage was a strong advocate for the amateurism in sports, opposing the participation of professional athletes in the Olympic Games.

4. He played a significant role in the controversial decision to allow the 1936 Berlin Olympics to proceed despite the Nazi regime’s policies.

5. Brundage was instrumental in the expulsion of South Africa from the Olympic movement due to its apartheid policies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Avery Brundage

1. “The Olympic Games belong to the athletes and not to the politicians.”

2. “We are primarily a social organization, not a political one, and as such our aim is to promote the brotherhood of man.”

3. “Sport must be amateur or it is not sport. Sports played professionally are entertainment.”

4. “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part.”

5. “The Olympic Games are a symbol of the fact that the world can be united in peace and friendship.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Avery Brundage’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was known to be a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, particularly through his real estate investments and art collection.