The French swimming federation have announced national director Christian Donze has died of a heart attack aged 51.
Donze had been taking part in a mountain bike race in Murianette in south-eastern France when he fell ill, with the emergency services unable to revive him.
After taking over as national director in 2009, Donze oversaw success for the French team at the 2010 European Championships, 2011 World Championships and this summer's Olympics where they won seven medals, of which four were gold.
A statement on the Federation Francaise Natation website said: "In these painful and unexpected circumstances, the President of the Federation and all at French Swimming offer the Donze family its deepest condolences and assure them of their support."
