Mike Sharpe has left “big shoes behind on the track” the Senate heard as the Upper House paid tribute to the Olympian and veteran broadcaster.

Senators praised Mr Sharpe for his contribution to Bermuda following the announcement of his death, aged 65, at the weekend.

Mr Sharpe brought a “Bermuda feel” to everything he did, senator Ben Smith told colleagues.

During the chamber’s final session of the year yesterday, senator Smith said: “As someone who has been interviewed by him several times I can say that he always made you feel at ease and comfortable.

“And you could tell that he had a passion for sport. And I know that in the sporting community he will be sorely missed.

“He has big shoes that he’s left behind on the track and also what he did for our community when he broadcast on our sports and gave that Bermuda feel to whatever he was presenting.”

Ernest Peets, sports minister, also expressed feelings of grief, saying: “His passing is a real shock to us all.”

Senator Michelle Simmons praised the athlete’s abilities as “extraordinary”.

Ms Simmons said: “He will be sorely missed in the Bermuda community at large.

“His voice, that resonant voice, and the ease with which he handled interviews with people, I found that to be just extraordinary.

“He has had a life of service in broadcasting especially radio, television, on the internet.

“We appreciate his legacy of reporting and interviewing that he’s left behind.”

Senator Robin Tucker said: “I have had the opportunity to be interviewed by him. I can attest to how gently Mike Sharpe conducted the interviews.”

Mr Sharpe, who competed in the 100 metres at the 1976 summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, also excelled in the triple jump, ran in relay races and played competitive cricket.

He later had a distinguished career as a sports and news journalist at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company and the former VSB station that spanned close to five decades.