Marianne Middelthon: Obituary

Marianne Middelthon © World Sailing

It is with regret and deep sadness that World Sailing announces that Marianne Middelthon passed away on 27 February after a long fight with cancer.

An International Judge and Umpire since 1993, serving Racing Rules and Race Officials in many capacities since the turn of the century, Marianne was greatly admired by her peers and sailors'.

Marianne was a member of the International Jury and Umpire team at no less than five Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the America's Cup while always finding time to help her fellow Norwegians and many others.

Through her work as an International Umpire Instructor, Marianne provided support and guidance to many, enabling others to achieve their dreams within the sport.

Over the past 25-years, Marianne dedicated an extensive amount of time and energy to World Sailing and the sport and in recognition of her services, she was awarded a World Sailing Gold Medal in 2017, one of the very few non-committee chairs or Board members to be recognised.

Through her work and dedication to the sport, Marianne touched the lives of many and World Sailing are inviting tributes to be sent to . Tributes will be regularly updated below:

David Tillett - Chairman of Racing Rules Committee 2000-2012 and Chairman of the Olympic Jury 2004, 2008, 2012

"I had the privilege of working with Marianne at numerous events and on World Sailing Committees. Marianne was a member of the advance group at each of those Olympics and was very much a "go to" person for dealing with matters at each of those Games. If you wanted something done, you could always rely on Marianne. She was also a member of the Racing Rules Committee and its Working Party where Marianne had particular responsibility for the match racing area, which was very close to her heart.

"The vast majority of her work was done in an honourary capacity and it was not uncommon for her to spend over 300 days a year away from home officiating at events, attending conferences and giving seminars, workshops and lectures."

John Doerr - Current Chairman of Racing Rules Committee

"I have been close to Marianne for many years and, like many others, my life has been richer because of her. Many of you reading this will know of Marianne, but few will know how she handled the dreadful hand dealt to her. That she was working on the Match Racing Call Book and helping Marina with Q&As submitted during her last week is testimony to her total dedication and love for our sport that never waivered. Only during these last few years did Marianne come to realise the respect and friendships she had created around the World. I spoke to her many times in the last few months and I am so pleased that she had found a real peace while knowing, but never giving in to the fate awaiting her."

Marina Psichogiou - World Sailing International Judge and Race Officer

"My Marianne...

...was a proud Norwegian, a great teacher, a perfectionist, a caring beautiful person with a lot of love to give to everyone around her. It is hard to be objective, everyone has their own impressions of other people.

"Marianne for me was a friend. We shared lots of laughs and good moments and she was there to dry my tears when I didn't succeed, hold my hand to stand back and try again. She was always there. I hope that I was a good friend for her too.

"Marianne was a tireless teacher. She would take time to correct my mistakes, show me a different point of view, help me discover and realise new ideas. She was my toughest critic, it seemed that almost nothing was good enough. But she always did it in a way that made me try harder. I felt the love and the care every time. And whenever she gave me a 'well done Marina' I felt that she was proud and it was worth the stars.

"Marianne was my safety net. I knew that she would catch me before I fall. Her body is gone. But she taught me how to fight with dignity, how to always look at the bright side and appreciate what I have, how never to give up. And how to try and be the best possible version of myself. She will always be with me."

Marianne, we will miss you, but as you asked, you will always be on the water with us.