Alexandru Șiperco was a writer and publisher who became an IOC Member in June 1955. Not always in tune with the Romanian government he offered his resignation to the IOC in 1964, feeling he did not have the influence he needed, but the resignation was not accepted and he served until his death in 1998. In fact, Șiperco attended 36 IOC Sessions during his tenure, at the time, the most of any IOC Member. With the retirement of Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg in 1998, Șiperco was briefly the doyen of the IOC. He also served as President of the Romanian Olympic Committee from 1953-59. His influence on the IOC was important in persuading President Nicolae Ceauşescu that Romania should not boycott the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and he played a prominent role in negotiations with North Korea prior to the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Romania