ROME, Italy - Swimming's governing body says FINA vice-president Hironoshin Furuhashi has died in his sleep while attending the world championships. He was 80.

Known as "the Flying Fish,'' Furuhashi was one of Japan's first great swimmers, setting several world records in 1949.

After his swimming career, Furuhashi helped organize the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and became president of Japan's Olympic committee and swimming federation.

FINA president Julio Maglione said Sunday that "FINA will always remember him as a very kind and pleasant man.''

"We express our sincere condolences,'' he added.

No cause of death was given.

A minute of silence was to be observed Sunday night during the final session of the championships.