Ivan Patzaichin passed away at the age of 71 in Bucharest after being hospitalized for three months with lung cancer. He was one of the most successful canoe sprinters of all times and later continued his career as a coach.
He took part in all major competitions between 1968 and 1984, including five consecutive Olympics, and won seven Olympic and 22 world championship medals, including four Olympic gold medals. This makes him the most decorated Romanian canoeist of all times.
He won gold medals at 1968 Olympics in Mexico City (C2 1000m), 1972 in Munich (C1 1000m), 1980 in Moscow (C2 1000m) and in 1984 in Los Angeles (C2 1000m). He also won three silver Olympic medals (1972 - C2 1000m, 1980 - C2 500m, 1984 - C2 500m).
He later worked as a canoeing coach, attending five more Olympics in this capacity. In 1990, he was awarded the Olympic Order, and in 2006 a nationwide poll included him on the list 100 Greatest Romanians of all time.
We would like to express sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Source: Wikipedia
6.9.2021
