Walker was the grandson of slaves raised in the segregated American South before he moved to Harlem in New York, carving out a successful coaching and sports administration career.

He was the President of the USOC from 1992 to 1996, overseeing the staging of the Atlanta Olympics and also Salt Lake City's successful bid to stage the 2002 Winter Games.

Walker was a successful coach abroad, working in Ethiopia, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago, before being recognised in his home country when he was appointed as the head coach of America's track and field team that finished second overall in the medals table.

They won a total of 22 medals, including six gold, to finish behind only East Germany.

The US winners included Edwin Moses in the 400 metres hurdles and Bruce Jenner (pictured) in the decathlon. 


Tributes to Walker were led by Scott Blackmun, the chief executive of the USOC. 

"We join the entire Olympic family in remembering and appreciating the vast contributions he made to the worldwide Olympic Movement throughout his 93 years of life," Blackmun said.

"He devoted himself to the betterment of sport and we were fortunate to have called him our President."

Dick Pound, Canada's influential International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, also praised Walker's contribution to the Olympic Movement.

"Dr. LeRoy Walker has touched the lives of countless young Americans in his many decades of work in sport.," said Pound.

"His dedication, expertise and commitment over many years have helped shape generations of American Olympians.

"The world of sport is stronger for having benefited from his leadership and his legacy of excellence will continue to impact the Olympic Movement for years to come."

To read Mike Moran's tribute to Walker click here.

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