It is with great sadness the NZOC acknowledges the passing of Ralph Roberts, Olympian #148.
One of New Zealand’s most celebrated sailing figures, Roberts competed in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games where he placed 6th in the finn class. Eight years later he returned to the Olympic Games, competing in the flying dutchman in Mexico City he placed eighth.
Once Roberts finished competing he moved into sports administration and was a sailing manager at the 1984 Olympic Games where New Zealand won three sailing medals. He went on to be New Zealand Team Chef de Mission for the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.
He served as President of the then New Zealand Yachting Federation between 1986 and 1989 and was awarded the MBE for services to yachting and sport in 1993.
Roberts was also heavily involved in World Sailing (previously the ISAF) and is a life member of the Takapuna Boating Club, where he served as commodore and president.
In 2010 he became a life member of Yachting New Zealand and he was made a New Zealand Olympic Order Holder the following year.
The Order is an award of merit, recognising outstanding service to the Olympic Movement and/or Commonwealth Sport Movement.
The NZOC extends its condolences to Robert's family and the wider yachting community.
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