[Archive 2009-08-23] Director of design for the 2010 Winter Olympics dies suddenly at 40

Historical archive — originally published 2009-08-23. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

The director of design for the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver, Leo Obstbaum, has passed away suddenly in his home. He designed both of the mascots as well as the medals for next year's games. Obstbaum previously designed the wardrobe for the anniversary of the Barcelona Olympic and Paralympic summer games. He joined VANOC as director of design in June 2006.

VANOC spokeswoman Renee Smith-Valade released a statement through e-mail saying "Leo's passing is a deep loss to the VANOC team and the entire organization's thoughts and prayers are with the Obstbaum family".

Born in Argentina, he later moved to Spain as a child until moving to Vancouver in 2005. He opened his first visual design company in Spain in the early 1990s.

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