DOB: 02.05.1942
Nationality: Belgian
Profession: Orthopaedic surgeon, former sports medicine lecturer
Sporting background: Yachting world champion and 10 rugby caps for Belgium
IOC experience: Member since 1991, Executive Board (1998-), co-ordinated Sydney 2000 Games

The appointment of Jacques Rogge as the new president of the International Olympic Committee has come as no surprise.

The mild-mannered Belgian was considered favourite to succeed Juan Antonio Samaranch once it was announced that Spaniard would step down.

Unlike his fellow candidates, Rogge has not courted controversy.

He came out with a clean slate following the Salt Lake City scandal that saw 10 members of the IOC resign.

Coupled with his diplomatic skills and the ability to fluently speak five languages - Flemish, French, English, Spanish and German - made the final decision easy for the voting members of the Committee.

Rogge has been an integral part of the Olympic movement for over 10 years.

But his involvement with the Games began back in 1968 when he put his nautical skils to the test by taking part in the sailing events.

He competed in the following two Olympics and such was his dominance in the sport that he became world champion.

Rogge also showed his prowess with the rugby ball by winning 10 caps for the Belgian national team.

The 59-year-old former orthopaedic surgeon moved on to the administration side of the Olympics in 1989 when he took on the role as president of the European Olympic Committees.

Two years later Rogge moved up a level and became an official member of the International Olympic Committee.

He came to prominance during the 2000 Sydney Games where as chief co-ordinator, he helped mastermind what former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch described as "the best Games ever".

Rogge was due to reprise his Sydney role for the forthcoming Games in Athens, but now faces the greater challenge of guiding the Olympic movement to new heights in the future.