Abdoulaye Seye, 1960 Olympic bronze medallist, passes away

The IAAF is deeply saddened by the news that Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, the 200m bronze medallist at the 1960 Olympic Games, passed away during the night of Thursday (13). He was 77.

Seye represented France at the 1960 Olympics in Rome when he captured the bronze medal. His achievement marked the first time that a Senegalese athlete had won a medal in Athletics at such a high level.

Born in the northern Senegalese city of St. Louis in July 1934, Seye embarked on his track and field career upon arriving in France in 1954 for his studies and military service. Seye was also a French national 200m champion, the 1959 Mediterranean Games champion in the 100m, as well as an accomplished 400m runner.

Following Senegal's independence, Seye served as the country's first national coach from 1961 to 1965 and was also a member of the nation's National Olympic Committee.

IAAF President Lamine Diack who attended the funderal had been a classmate of Seye.

IAAF