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Athletissima joins the greater Swiss sports and athletics community in expressing its condolences to the family of Jean-Pierre Egger, who passed away the day before his 82nd birthday. This former champion, who competed in the shot put at the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games, became known above all for his remarkable qualities as a coach and educator.
Jean-Pierre Egger (192 cm and 125 kg at the height of his athletic prime) was a giant with a deep sense of empathy, always attentive and sensitive to others. His regular presence and unwavering loyalty to Athletissima left a lasting impression on the event and its organizers.
As a coach, he made his mark by guiding Werner Günthör to three world shot put titles between 1987 and 1993, and by helping New Zealander Valerie Adams win two Olympic gold medals, in 2008 and 2012. He had already gained recognition in New Zealand in 2003 when he played a key role as a fitness coach in Alinghi’s victory in the America’s Cup.
As a trainer, Jean-Pierre Egger—named Switzerland’s best coach of the past 70 years at the 2020 Swiss Sports Awards—stood out from his peers through his versatility and holistic approach. To athletes, he was at once a confidant, a demanding physical trainer, and a role model on a human level. All of this was accompanied by his sharp and often original perspective on sport in general.
His contribution was invaluable.