After beginning orienteering as a scout, Tschudin became a member of the Swiss national squad before becoming a founding member of the Swiss Orienteering Federation in 1978.

He was elected IOF vice-president in 1982 before being voted into the top position six years later.

During his eight years as President, he was credited for making orienteering an internationally respected discipline and for increasing the depth of the sport into new countries.

He also introduced various administrative changes to improve the running of an organisation which now boasts 80 national federation members.

When he relinquished the top job in 1994, then IOF Council Member, John Pearson, wrote: “During Heinz’ Presidency the IOF has become a more professional organisation.

"Heinz Tschudin, calm, modest and smiling has been indisputably in charge - thank you, Heinz.”

He also served as President of the Permanent Technical Committee of International Military Sports Council.

More recently, he has served as an honorary member of both the Swiss Orienteering Federation and the IOF.

He died peacefully after a short illness.