Swiss Olympic medallist Eric Hänni passed away

Swiss judo legend Eric Hänni, an Olympic silver medallist and pioneering figure in the sport, passed away on Christmas Day, 2024, at the age of 86. Hänni was a trailblazer for Swiss judo, achieving remarkable success both on the mat and beyond.

Born in Delémont, Switzerland, Hänni's early life was shaped by challenges, including his parents' divorce. He lived with his uncle in Bern before moving to the Canton of Jura, where he worked as a mechanic. Despite these hurdles, he found his passion in judo, which became the cornerstone of his life.

Hänni’s competitive career spanned from 1959 to 1974. A lightweight competitor, he reached the pinnacle of success in 1964, becoming an Olympic finalist in Tokyo and earning a historic silver medal for Switzerland. That same year, he also claimed a European bronze medal. Nationally, Hänni won seven Swiss titles (1959, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1969–71) and competed in twelve European Championships and three World Championships. 
Beyond competition, Hänni was a multifaceted contributor to the judo community. He became a national referee in 1965 and later officiated at the European and world levels, starting in 1974 and 1985, respectively. He transitioned into coaching in 1966, initially in Zurich, then at Nippon Bern between 1967 and 1972. In 1972, he founded his own judo club in Delémont, which he led until 1995. During this time, he also coached the Swiss national junior and senior teams and served as vice-president of the Swiss Judo Association.
Hänni's contributions were recognized in 2014 when he became the first Swiss judoka to receive an honorary 9th dan, a distinction that underscored his lifelong dedication to the sport. 
Off the mat, Hänni had a passion for motorcycle racing, competing at the national level. He was married and is survived by two children. Hänni died on 25 December 2024, at age 86.