Juan Samaranch, a former Olympic President for the International Committee, has died after he became ill over the weekend. He was sent to Quiron Hospital in Barcelona, Spain where he was later admitted. It was reported he was having heart trouble. The Spaniard was 89 years old. He was in charge of the International Olympic Committee from 1980-2001. He was regarded as an extremely powerful man.

His replacement, Jacques Rogge, was deeply saddened. He stated that, “He had been inspired by him and was amazed at the level of knowledge he knew of the sport. Because of him he helped bring the Olympic Games into the modern era and helped build a unified Olympics. I will continue to praise him and all the efforts he has made and his devotion to the Olympics. He was a dear friend and mentor.”

Lord Coe, a London chairperson, stated he was an inspiration and they had been close for over 30 years. In 2001 Samaranch retired as president after 21 years. Only two other people have held this position longer.

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