The 8th dan wrote his name in the history books by becoming the first athlete to win two Olympic titles at one Games, when he secured gold medals in the over 93 kilograms and open competitions at Munich 1972.

He won two world titles by claiming gold in the over 93kg at both the 1967 and 1971 World Judo Championships in Salt Lake City and Ludwigshafen respectively, as well as a world silver medal in the open competition at the 1969 World Championships in Mexico City.

He was also seven-time European champion.

Following his competition career, Ruska became a head coach for a short while and then later became a club coach.

However, he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2001, which left him partially paralysed and with speech difficulties.

Ruska was inducted into the International Judo Federation (IJF) Hall of Fame in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

"With the death of Willem Ruska the judo world loses one of its greatest icons," Willem Jan Stegeman, President of the Dutch Judo Federation, said.

"He has made an unlikely major contribution to judo and the status of The Netherlands as judo nation.

"Our thoughts go out to his family. "

Dutch Sports Minister Edith Schippers said The Netherlands has lost one of the greatest champions it has ever had.

"After his two gold medals at the Olympics and two world titles he sat as a coach for many years successfully engaged in judo," she added.

"He was an example and inspiration for many judokas.

"The Netherlands loses a great sportsman and true judo hero."

The IJF also sent its "deepest condolences" to the Dutch Judo Federation and the family and friends of Ruska.

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