René Burkhalter

René Burkhalter (27 October 1934 – 26 November 2024) was a Swiss sports administrator who was a member of the Central Committee and the Technical Commission of the . He was the founder and president during 25 years of the , as well as the president of the Swiss Olympic Association from November 1996, succeeding Daniel Plattner, until 1 January 2001, when he was succeeded by Walter Kägi. Burkhalter also served as the president of the from 2001, succeeding Paul Wyss, until 1 January 2005, when he was succeeded by Ruth Metzler.

In 2001, he was awarded the Olympic Order by the IOC. Born on 27 October 1934, Burkhalter died in Bern, on 26 November 2024, at the age of 90.