The FOK has led the tributes to Ilkka, describing him as an "impressive speaker" and a "determined and analytical leader".

During his career, Ilkka held several significant positions within Finnish sport including leading the FOK from 1988 to 2004 after joining the organisation’s Board in 1985.

Ilkka was head of the Organising Committee for the 1994 European Athletics Championships in Finnish capital Helsinki and was chairman of the Finnish Sports Confederation from 1983 until 1990.

The FOK said Ilkka’s views and leadership were "appreciated among the athletes and across the boundaries of the sport and the federation".

Ilkka was a national team level runner in the 1960s and worked as an athletics coach until the middle of the next decade after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Jyväskylä in 1966.

As a coach, Ilkka’s best achievement came in 1974 when he helped Riitta Salini to claim gold at the European Championships in Rome in Italy.

Ilkka also had an extensive career at the Finnish Sports College in Vierumäki, firstly as a teacher from 1967 to 1971 and then as principal from 1976 to 2006.

Under Ilkka's leadership, the college was expanded into an increasingly comprehensive provider of training and study opportunities.

In 2001, Tapani Ilkka was awarded the Grand Cross of Merit for Finnish Physical Education and Sports.

He also received a medal of honour from the International Olympic Committee in 2005.

Former Finnish President Tarja Halonen awarded Ilkka the title of Professor in 2006 and received Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Gala last January.