IOC Awards Olympic Order to Sir Peter Blake

Geneva - December 14, 2002

The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded the Olympic Order to Sir Peter Blake, the famous New Zealand sailor who was tragically killed when pirates attacked his boat, Seamaster, on the Amazon River in December, 2001.

Known as a meticulous planner and gifted leader, Sir Peter Blake inspired confidence and loyalty from his crew with his fierce determination to win. As the head of Black Magic, the Team New Zealand syndicate, Blake led his team to victory in the 1995 America's Cup, taking the coveted Auld Mug out of the United States for only the second time in the event's 144-year history. In 2000, sailing in the spectacular Hauraki Gulf off the coast of his hometown Auckland, Blake and Team New Zealand became the first non-American team to retain the America's Cup. Sir Peter Blake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 for his outstanding services to yachting.

IOC President Jacques Rogge, himself an Olympic gold medallist in sailing said "Sir Peter Blake was one of the most gifted and successful yachtsmen in the world. His passion for sport and his determination have made him an exceptional sailor and an out of the ordinary person. I was always impressed by his charisma and inspiring energy." According to the IOC, the Olympic Order was awarded "to pay tribute to Sir Peter Blake's outstanding sailing career and to his genuine passion for sport and adventure." An official presentation ceremony at which the Order will be presented to his family is still to be organised at a future date.

The IOC award the Olympic Order to a person who has illustrated the Olympic ideal through his action, has achieved remarkable merit in the sports world, or has rendered outstanding services to the Olympic cause, either through his own personal achievement or his contribution to the development of sport. Among the personalities who have had the Olympic Order bestowed upon them by the IOC include French ski legend Jean-Claude Killy, Swiss around-the-world balloon adventurer Bertrand Piccard, American track and field hero Jesse Owens, assassinated Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

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