Lausanne (SUI), August 8, 2011 – FINA announces with great sadness the passing away today of FINA Vice President and friend Bill Matson (NZL), following the surgery he underwent during the last days of the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai (CHN).
Bill Matson was a FINA Bureau Member since 1996, and became Vice President of our International Federation since 2005. Moreover, he was a very efficient Liaison with the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and presently with the FINA Masters Committee, and his action has namely been essential to the success of the FINA World Masters Championships.
His sudden death represents a great loss not only for FINA but also for the entire continent of Oceania, where he has been one of its most distinguished and appreciated officials.
Bill’s example and devotion for the aquatic sports will remain a reference in our mind and heart.
In this moment of grief, FINA would like to express its most sincere condolences and sympathy to Bill’s Family and Friends, as well as to the Aquatic community in his native New Zealand and Oceania.