Arnaldo Guinle

Arnaldo Guinle studied law and social sciences and became an industrialist of significant wealth. He was the major force in founding the Brazilian Olympic Committee in 1935, but Guinle so alienated many of the federations that they refused to be affiliated with the so-called “Guinle Gang,” and threatened to start a rival NOC. After the war, compromises were reached and Guinle served as President of a unified NOC from 1947-50. He helped found the Fluminense Football Club which became the leading sports association in Brazil and was awarded the Olympic Cup in 1949. Additionally Guinle founded the Rio de Janeiro Yacht Club, introduced the Boy Scout Movement to Brazil, and founded the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.

He became an IOC Member in 1923, but never attended an IOC Session in his 37 years on the committee, before becoming de-commissioned in 1960 for this failure to attend sessions. Nonetheless, he was made an Honorary IOC Member in 1961 and received a letter from IOC President Avery Brundage thanking him for his service to the Olympic Movement.