Former International Olympic Committee president, Juan Antonio Samaranch, died Wednesday April, 21, 2010 at the age of 89. According to reports, the Spaniard died of cardio-respiratory failure in a hospital in Barcelona. Samaranch served as the IOC president from 1980 to 2001.
Many consider Samaranch one of the most successful IOC president and the man who brought the Games into the modern era. He was instrumental in the addition of professional athletes participation in the games and also made the Games financially successful with large television deals and sponsorships. Samaranch's term as president began during political turmoil in the world with the boycott of both the 1980 Moscow Games and the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
In 1980, Samaranch was a little-known Spanish diplomat who took the reigns of the largest sporting organization in the world. During his 21 years as IOC president he transformed the Games into an international spectacle. Before Samaranch's tenure, the Games were more of financial burden on the host city than a joyous celebration. With the addition of worldwide sponsorships and large broadcasting contracts the Games became the world's favorite sporting event.
His term wasn't without controversy as his reign included the scandal of the 2002 Salt Lake City bid. Many member's of the IOC were reported to have received improper benefits from the Salt Lake City organizing committee.
Samaranch retired as IOC president in 2001 having served the second-longest term in IOC history behind only Olympic founder, Pierre de Coubertin. Samaranch was the last president to stay in office for longer than 12 years as new rules allow presidents one eight-year mandate with the possibility of a four year extension.
Following his retirement, Samaranch's was honored with honorary IOC president for life and remained active with the Olympic movement. He regularly attended IOC meetings and pushed Madrid's bids for the 2014 or 2016 Games. He continued his IOC loyalty until his death having attended the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.
His son, Juan Antonio Samaranch's Jr. is currently an IOC member since 2001. His daughter, Maria Teresa Samaranch is president of the Spanish Federation of Sports on Ice. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Teresa Salisachs Rowe.
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