We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Omar Alejandro Vergara (ARG, MH) OLY on June 28, at age 75 in his native city of Rosario, Argentina.
Dr. Vergara was motivated by the sole objective of developing fencing and love for the sport, ceaselessly giving the best of himself to its mission and purpose. A renowned epeeist and foilist, Dr. Vergara was an Argentinian and South American champion and individual Pan American Games champion (1975). A three-time Olympian, he competed in Mexico City (1968), Munich (1972), and Montreal (1976). He was also a category “A” three-weapon international referee.
Dr. Vergara also worked as a fencing official in numerous capacities, including being a member of the directoire technique (DT) at several World Championships. He was president of the Argentinian Fencing Federation from 1986-1990, 1996-2000, 2004-2008, and 2012-2016. He served as president of the South American Fencing Confederation and vice-president of the Pan American Fencing Confederation.
For the FIE, Dr. Vergara was an FIE Executive Committee member from 2008 to 2012. He has served on the FIE Legal Commission since 1992 and was a permanent member of the Argentinian Olympic Committee. At the 2017 FIE Annual Congress, he was inducted as a Member of Honour of the FIE.
The FIE and entire fencing family has lost a talented and remarkable expert. Above all, Dr. Vergara was one of our deeply valued members, a great friend appreciated and respected by all.
We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to the Argentinian Fencing Federation. We offer them our most heartfelt sympathy and prayers during this difficult period.