AOC President Ian Chesterman says Wayne was both a master of his craft and a passionate devotee of the sports he covered.

“Wayne broke stories, had a masterful turn of phrase and was equally forthright and considered in his opinions.

“His love for Olympic sports, particularly swimming, over many decades provided his readers with rare insight throughout his career. He was a journalist other journalists sought to emulate.

“Wayne will be sadly missed by the Olympic community for the quality of his work and his warm and generous qualities as a man.

“Even in retirement, he kindly volunteered to assist the AOC with our swimming coverage at the Tokyo 2020 Games. It was a magnificent contribution for which we are very grateful. My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family,” Mr Chesterman concluded.

IOC Vice President John Coates says it’s tragic that Wayne could not witness events that mean so much to him – the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia in 2027.

“Not only did he reside in the pantheon of the great sports writers this country has produced, his lobbying for the Brisbane Games with the Council of Mayors Southeast Queensland was a catalyst for those Games that are now coming to our shores. It fills me with sadness that he won’t be there to proudly witness the reality he envisioned.

“I first met Wayne in 1985 when he covered the tour by an IOC delegation exploring Brisbane’s candidature for the Olympic Games of 1992.

“We missed out to Barcelona on that occasion, but Wayne had the fire in his belly. I extend my condolences to his family and many friends and colleagues from over the years,” Mr Coates concluded.