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Lukman Niode OLY, a bright light of the WOA family

21 | 4 | 2020

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Lukman Niode OLY, a true inspiration and torch bearer of the Olympic ideals and the WOA, has passed away.

Throughout his life and, most recently as the Secretary-General of the Indonesia Olympians Association, Lukman immortalised the Olympian Spirit, tirelessly working for the betterment of others. Up until very recently, Lukman had been playing a central role on the frontline in Indonesia’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic distributing Personal Protective Equipment to those who need it most.

For many years, guided by his Olympic ideals, Lukman has been an inspiration to those around him and his positive, unwavering commitment to helping others is an example for us to follow. Lukman never asked for thanks or gratitude, and it is this spirit of selflessly working to help society, that we encourage you to remember him by. Through following Lukman’s example, we can work to make our world a better place now and in the future.

Lukman had a hugely successful sporting career dominating the 100m and 200m backstroke events at the SEA Games winning nine individual gold medals. Lukman competed at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, swimming in the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke, and later played crucial roles within the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) including as an official, coach and team manager.

Joël Bouzou OLY, President, World Olympians Association, said:

“Throughout his life Lukman set examples for us all to follow. As a successful swimmer he represented Indonesia at the highest level and following his retirement, he became a widely respected sports administrator throughout Asia.

“Lukman was integral in arranging the Olympians Associations of Asia Meeting in Jakarta in August 2018; an event which has since gone on to improve the lives of countless communities throughout Asia.

“The WOA motto is ‘Service to Olympians Service to Society’ and Lukman, more than most, has left a lasting legacy on all of us.”

Malav Shroff OLY, Executive Committee Member from Asia, World Olympians Association, said:

“Lukman was not only a colleague and a role model but a close friend. No challenge seemed too great to overcome and Lukman was a leader whose work throughout Asia will continue to improve lives for many years to come.

“We will remember Lukman as a force for good. In his memory, we will continue to build on the strong foundations he has left, so that his spirit lives on.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all of us, each country has specific guidelines to follow and WOA encourages Olympians not only to follow these but to act as role models in encouraging others to do the same.

We would like to offer our condolences to all who have lost loved ones and our thoughts are with those impacted.

Malav Shroff OLY and Lukman Niode OLY together at the World Olympians Forum 2019