The International Olympic Committee has expressed great sadness over the death of former IOC member and vice president He Zhenliang from China.
Nicknamed "China's Mr. Olympics", He Zhenliang was instrumental in bringing back China to the IOC in 1979 and in Beijing's successful bid for the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
He died at a hospital in Beijing on Sunday afternoon at the age of 85.
In a message, current IOC President Thomas Bach called He Zhenliang a "true advocate of the social values of sport and of the Olympic Movement."
Bach has asked for the Olympic flag to be flown at half-staff for three days in tribute to He Zhenliang.
He Zhenliang was elected to the IOC in 1981 and elected IOC vice president in 1989.
He became IOC Honorary Member in 2010 and sat on the IOC Executive Board three times.
He Zhenliang became a household name after delivering an emotional speech at the IOC session on July 13, 2001.
"Dear colleagues, the message you send today may signal the beginning of a new era of global unity. If you honor Beijing with the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games, I can assure you, my dear colleagues, that in seven years from now, Beijing will make you proud of your decision today."
Beijing is ramping up its preparations to bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
