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Anton Geesink Obituary
Dutch state broadcaster NOS reported that Geesink, who won the first Olympic judo gold medal, died Friday of an unspecified illness after several weeks in a hospital in his hometown of Utrecht, Netherlands.
Geesink, a towering powerhouse, stunned Japan by becoming the first Westerner to win the world judo championship in 1961 in Paris, followed by his Olympic gold in 1964 in Tokyo. That victory changed the perception that judo was a Japanese sport.
The International Judo Federation said on its website that "a giant has just passed away."
"Everybody will remember the gigantic stature of this Dutch figure whose size was equivalent to his kindness," the statement said. "Anton Geesink never stopped fighting for the development of sport throughout the world."
Geesink won two world championship titles — the second came in Rio de Janeiro in 1965 — and a record 21 European championship titles.
In his prime, he stood 198 centimeters tall and weighed 120 kilograms (6 foot 6 inches and 265 pounds).
He had been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1987.
The IOC praised Geesink as a "great athlete" who "dedicated his entire career to the promotion of sport and its values."
The blue belts now worn by one competitor in international matches for ease of distinction by judges, referees and spectators arose from a suggestion made by Geesink at an IJF meeting in 1986.
He was the first European to become a 9th dan judoka in 1987, and was awarded the 10th degree in 1997 by the IJF.
"Today, Judo is a universal activity, thanks to the "way of education" that Jigoro Kano created at the end of the 19th century," the IJF statement said.
"But, for sure, it would not have been possible if, first of all, Anton Geesink had not been the great champion that he was and secondly, he had not become such a fantastic ambassador during and after his sports career."
Geesink is survived by his wife, Jans, and their three children.
20 Entries
Never forget
Wladi Martin
March 15, 2012
Fred Slooyer
January 21, 2011
Dearest Geesink Family,
Our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to you and your family during your time of loss. Anton was truly an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him and what he did for the sport of JUDO will remain as his greatest legacy. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Holland and will treasure those memories fondly. Never forget that the world mourns your loss with you.
Sincerely,
Familie Fred Slooyer uit Canada
September 10, 2010
i will miss you and your judo M.JARDINE
September 4, 2010
My deepest condolences to Anton's Family. I was with him at Camp Olympus as an assiatant instructor and his translator form French into English as needed. Charles Fuster
How you can show support
September 4, 2010
To Family and Friends of Anton Geesink,
May you all find comfort from the following scripture:Psalms 147:3-"He is healing the broken-hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
September 2, 2010
To the family and friends of Mr. Geesink I offer my deepest condolences. As a martial arts practitioner I am honored to see the accomplishments of a true martial artist. May he rest in peace. Tang soo.
Joseph Navarro, 1st Dan TSD, New Jersey ,USA
jim crockett
September 2, 2010
this man was an icon to everyone in the judo scene. sincere sympathies to his family
A.M.
September 1, 2010
I am so sorry to read about the death of your father. Please accept my deepest condolenses. May you all find comfort in God's promise of a resurrection.
August 31, 2010
To the Geesink family:
May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide a measure of comfort to you--until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5; Psalms 37:11, 29
H,
August 30, 2010
To the family and friends of Mr. Geesink.....I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We know that death is something that plagues mankind of all races and ages. but we can draw comfort and hope from the scriptures found at Isaiah 25:8 that speak of how God will in the future swallow up our enemy death forever. My deepest condolences
Joyce Clemens
August 30, 2010
Even though I was just a kid living in Amsterdam, I remembered Anton's great victory very well. The entire country was so proud and anyone having a flag, showed it proudly. RIP Anton Geesink
Al Lockett
August 29, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
August 29, 2010
To the family: May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Karl Lehn
August 28, 2010
We have lost a true great master and teacher. Anton The Bear Geesink was an inspiration to all martial artists.
Rest well Sensei, Rest well.
August 28, 2010
My deepest sympathy....Lee Person
R Golay
August 28, 2010
To the the family of Anton Geesink - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Anton will be missed by many.
Victoria~Andrew VZj
August 28, 2010
To the family of 'Anton'
sentiments is placed
upon his Name inside a
world of Judo,Martial Arts
a classic talent of blackbelt
skill.Yet taking time to create
focus steady contact to be a
known champion of this level..
so long until we all meet again
passing over into a lighted serene
sacred journey~rip GodBless~
Joe N
August 28, 2010
Here we have the epitome of the true martial artist. Mr. Geesink was a splendid competitor but more importantly part of his life was dedicated to a sport and way of life that underscored kindness, humility, patience and physical, mental and spiritual dedication. Judo was the first martial art to be a certified medal event in the Olympics and he was the lantern holder, out in front. Thank you sir.
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