Ottavio Cinquanta 1938-2022
It is with deep sorrow and regret that the International Skating Union (ISU) learned of the death of ISU Honorary President, Mr. Ottavio Cinquanta who passed away on July 18 aged 83.
Born on August 15, 1938 in Rome (ITA), Ottavio Cinquanta loved sport from a young age. He played ice hockey, and practiced athletics and Speed Skating.
He developed a real passion for ice sports and Short Track Speed Skating in particular. He became Chairman of the Technical Committee (1973-1980) and then Vice-President of the Italian Ice Sports Federation (1984-1988). He refereed at international competitions, World Championships, and the Olympic Winter Games. He became a founding ISU Short Track Speed Skating Technical Committee member in 1975 and was elected Chair of the Committee in 1984. In 1992 he was elected ISU Vice President of the Speed Skating Branch and held the position of President of the International Skating Union from 1994 until 2016.
From 1996 to 2016, he was also a Member of the IOC and as such a Member of the Board of CONI, and between 2000 and 2008 a Member of the IOC Executive Board and a Member of ten IOC Commissions. The IOC Session elected him as an IOC Honorary Member and the ISU Congress acclaimed him as ISU Honorary President in 2016.
The IOC Session also recognised Ottavio’s outstanding services and distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement by awarding him the Olympic Order, its highest distinction.
Ottavio Cinquanta receives the Olympic Order from IOC President Thomas Bach in 2016
During his time at the head of the helm of the ISU, Ottavio had a big impact on ISU sports. He played an essential role in making Short Track Speed Skating an Olympic sport and reformed the ISU Judging System in Figure Skating. He successfully negotiated major media rights contracts which was crucial to the development of skating and in particular helped to establish the currently successful ISU Event calendar with over 40 ISU Events per season.
He was a visionary and innovator with a strong commitment and drive. The Skating family mourns the loss of a brilliant sports leader whose legacy will be greatly appreciated for generations to come.
The ISU pays tribute to Mr. Ottavio Cinquanta, expresses its most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and will remember him with affection.