Former Athletics SA CEO Frik Vermaak dies at 56

The former Athletics South Africa (ASA) chief executive, Frederick ‘Frik’ Vermaak, has died, the athletics governing body confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the City Press, Frik Vermaak, 56, died on Monday after spending some time in the intensive care unit at a Bloemfontein hospital. He suffered organ failure.

“On behalf of ASA, we would like to convey our condolences to Frik’s family, friends, coaches and the administrators,” ASA president Aleck Skhosana told the Johannesburg paper.

Vermaak’s employment as CEO at ASA was terminated in October 2012 after he was found guilty on the charges of gross misconduct, gross dishonesty and poor work performance.

Vermaak was recruited by Athletics South Africa in December 2011 after he was chosen for the position of CEO out of 25 candidates.

He had been involved in athletics since 1978 in various capacities, some of which include Race Walking Coach, LOC member of various meetings including the first Soweto Marathon, Team Manager between 1986 and 1999.

Vermaak was also a Chairperson of the South African Athletics Statisticians (SAAS) and was involved in Radio and TV sports commentary for close to 20 years.

He held an MBA, a BCom (accounting) degree and attended Harvard Business School’s General Management Program in Boston, USA.

Vermaak was at the South African Junior Championships held at the Free State capital last week to cheer on his son Pierre, 17, who is the South African junior 10km race walk champion.

Vermaak junior is in the team that will represent South Africa at the African Youth Championships in Mauritius this weekend.