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Double Olympic Champion Wim Ruska passed away on Saturday. The 7 times Olympic Champion became 74 years old and was among the best judoka ever. In 1972 he won the double Olympic title 93kg and open weight class. He was also double World Champion in 1967 and 1971. He was tremendously strong and was seen as the opponent of Anton Geesink although he was younger.
Born in Amsterdam in 1940 he acted usually in the shadow of Geesink but was extremely successful though. After his successes in Munich he retired and was national coach for a short while. In 2001 he was hit by a brain stroke which caused a huge damage to his voice and was partially imparalised.
Ruska was an icon for Dutch Judo and was taken into the IJF hall of fame in 2013. At the 2009 World Championships in Rotterdam Ruska was awarded by IJF President Marius Vizer for his contribution to judo. #RIP
Source:
http://100judo.com/post/double-olympic-judo-champion-willem-ruska-passed-away
Born in Amsterdam in 1940 he acted usually in the shadow of Geesink but was extremely successful though. After his successes in Munich he retired and was national coach for a short while. In 2001 he was hit by a brain stroke which caused a huge damage to his voice and was partially imparalised.
Ruska was an icon for Dutch Judo and was taken into the IJF hall of fame in 2013. At the 2009 World Championships in Rotterdam Ruska was awarded by IJF President Marius Vizer for his contribution to judo. #RIP
Source:
http://100judo.com/post/double-olympic-judo-champion-willem-ruska-passed-away
