Istvan Gyulai, 62; International Track and Field Official

Istvan Gyulai, 62, a former Hungarian champion runner and sports journalist who was international track and field’s No. 2 official for 15 years, died Sunday after a battle with cancer.

Gyulai was a 23-time national champion at short distances and competed on Hungary’s team at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. After retiring from running, he served as head of sports for Hungarian Television.

From 1991 until his death, he was general secretary of the Monte Carlo-based International Assn. of Athletics Federations, running its day-to-day operations.

“Istvan devoted his entire life to our sport,” said Lamine Diack, the organization’s president. “His colleagues ... will sadly miss his friendly manner, his intelligence and his energy.”