The Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960 Olympian passed away Thursday in Sydney after a long illness. He was 86.

John Devitt competed at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games where he won gold in the men's 4x200m Relay in world record time. He also swam to silver in the 100m Freestyle.

At Rome in 1960, he would go one better, taking the gold in the men's 100 metres freestyle and etching his name in the history books as one of Australia's greatest swimmers.

He also won bronze at those Games in the 4 x 200 metre relay.

John was named national captain of the Australian Olympic Team at both Games he attended and in 1979, he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In 1986, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

He later served on the executive of the Australian Olympic Committee. First elected in 1985, he stepped down after Sydney 2000, his term including 10 years as Vice-President.

John had a passion for athletes, serving as Deputy Chef de Mission to the Australian Team on a number of occasions including Sydney 2000. He also was a loyal servant of the Commonwealth Games, including as Chef de Mission of the Commonwealth Games team in Melbourne 2006.

His love for his own sport was deep, and he served Swimming Australia in many roles, including as President.

AOC President Ian Chesterman says John Devitt was a champion in and out of the water.

"John has made an enormous contribution to the Australian Olympic movement and Australian sport in many varied ways. Twice an Olympic champion, a holder of world records, an executive member and Vice President and a Life Member. He embodied the Olympic spirit.

"He provided great leadership to many. Always calm and considered, he provided support to many younger administrators, encouraging them to forge a pathway and make a difference.

"In more recent years, John's passion for Olympic sport and Olympic history saw him publish a compelling history of an Olympic legend in Cecil Healy.

"In spite of ill health, John pursued this project with enormous vigour. As a consequence, we now have the Cecil Healy Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship which can be awarded after each Olympic Games.

"John was an incredibly decent person and will be sorely missed.

"Our sincerest condolences to John's wife Wendy and all of John's family and many friends," Mr Chesterman concluded.

IOC Vice President, John Coates, knew John well, serving together on the AOC Executive and on many teams.

"I know of no other Olympic Champion who cared for his sport and the Olympic movement like John.

"And no other sports administrator with the integrity and high principles that were John's hallmark.

"John was my most loyal Vice President and Deputy Chef de Mission and so highly regarded by his swimmers and the other athletes who were always his focus.

"But above all was John's commitment and love for his his family. Nothing was more important in his life.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the family at this most difficult time," Mr Coates concluded.

Swimming legend and teammate Dawn Fraser described John Devitt as a close friend from her swimming career and throughout her life.

"He was a great bloke who set an example for us all. All those members of the 1956 Team remained the closest of friends and we have stayed in touch over the years. John was just a fantastic team member. I will miss him very much," Ms Fraser concluded.