Alfredo Benavides

Alfredo Benavides studied at Guadelupe College and then began a career as a diplomat, holding various posts at consulates in Europe, before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. From 1935-42 he was Special Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary to Great Britain and from 1944-49 he was Ambassador to Canada. His distant cousin, Óscar Benavides, was President of Peru from 1914-15 and again in 1933-39.

Benavides was a major force in the development of Peruvian sport, founding the Club Union Cricket, the first sports club in Peru, the Las Terrazas de Miraflores Tennis Club, the Ancon Yacht Club, and he was also President of the Peru Jockey Club. He initiated the building of the first National Stadium at Santa Beatriz and served as President of the Athletic and Sports Federation which later became the Peruvian Olympic Committee. He served on the IOC from April 1923 until his resignation in September 1957.