IOC expresses deep sorrow over passing of IOC Honorary Member Melitón Sánchez Rivas
It is with profound sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has learnt of the death of Melitón Sánchez Rivas, IOC Honorary Member, who passed away peacefully at home in Panama on 15 February 2026 at the age of 91, following a brief illness.
Elected as an IOC Member in 1998, he served the IOC until 2014 and became an Honorary Member in 2015. During his tenure, he was a member of the IOC Commissions for Women and Sport (2002–2015) and for Culture and Olympic Education (2006–2015), contributing to the promotion of Olympic values and education.
“Melitón Sánchez Rivas has served the Olympic Movement with great passion. He was immensely proud of his many years of service to the Olympic Movement and spoke with great affection of his colleagues and the friendships he built wit...