Avery Brundage

Avery Brundage (1887-1975) was an influential American sports administrator and the sixth president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), serving from 1952 to 1972. He is known for his strong advocacy of amateurism in sports and played a significant role in the growth and internationalization of the Olympics. His tenure was marked by both achievements, such as the expansion of the Games, and controversies, including the handling of political issues, notably the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Brundage’s leadership style and decisions have left a lasting impact on the modern Olympic movement.