Pretoria - South Africa's Olympic governing body SASCOC has expressed great sadness at the death of South African Wrestling Federation honorary life member, Manie van Zyl.
Van Zyl passed away on Monday at his farm in the Vaalwater area. He was 83-years old.
The former policeman took part in two Olympic Games -- 1956 in Melbourne and the 1960 Games, where he had the honour of carrying the national flag in Rome.
SASCOC President Gideon Sam said: "It's very sad to lose any of our former Olympians. It makes it particularly more [sad] to receive this news at a time when Team South Africa are busy taking part in the 2012 Games in London. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family."
Van Zyl also took part in the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver and the following Games in Cardiff.
He won gold medals in both Commonwealth Games, making him the only South African wrestler in history to win two gold medals at consecutive Commonwealth Games.
