Double Olympic gold medallist and multiple world champion Ronald Rauhe has spoken of the “moving moment” when he added his name to the Olympians Walls.
The former German sprint star made the visit to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland to sign the wall that features the names of many other Olympic champions.
It was a day to remember for the 43-year-old at the Olympic House as he was presented with the World Olympians Association’s Certificate of Recognition by IOC President Thomas Bach.
Rauhe has also been granted the use of “OLY” after his name to signify his ongoing role in society as an Olympian and efforts to promote Olympic values.
“A moment for eternity,” said Rauhe in a post on LinkedIn.
“An emotional highlight of my last visit to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.
“I had the great honour of immortalising myself on the Athletes’ Wall at the Olympic House – side by side with many Olympic champions and medallists from all over the world.
“A great, moving moment full of emotion and gratitude.
“The fact that IOC President Thomas Bach also presented me with my personal certificate makes this day unforgettable.
“A symbolic act that once again made it clear to me how strongly the Olympic idea unites – across nations, disciplines and generations, the strength and responsibility that lies in international sport – and how much heart and soul people around the world invest in it.”
Raude is regarded as a legend in the world of kayaking after achieving great success in a career that spanned almost three decades.
He represented Germany at six Olympic Games, winning two golds, one silver and two bronzes.
His first gold came at Athens 2004 courtesy of his triumph in the men’s kayak double 500m before helping Germany’s kayak four 500m capture the Olympic title at Tokyo 2020.
He also achieved silver in the men’s K2 500m at Beijing 2008, bronze in the men’s K2 500m at Sydney 2000 and bronze in the men’s kayak single 200m at Rio 2016.
Raude’s stellar career also included 16 world titles and 17 European crowns.
After ending his competitive career following Tokyo 2020, Raude was elected as a member of both the European Olympic Committees’ Athletes’ Commission and the German Olympic Sports Confederation’s Athletes’ Commission in 2023.
Picture by IOC
Related links
