21. April 2010  
Barcelona, Spain  
Artistic Gymnastics

A big Olympian died: Olympism and Gymnastics in mourning!

Juan Antonio Marquis de SAMARANCH
*1920, July 17 - + 2010, Apr 21

 *fig--: President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001 and Honorary FIG Member in 1983, Juan Antonio Marquis de SAMARANCH died today in Barcelona (ESP) in the presence of his family. He would have been 90 on July 17th of this year.

His mark on the Olympic Movement is indelible; he pushed reforms through IOC management and strengthened its financial standing through a pragmatic approach to the sale of television rights and commercial partner contracts.
Juan Antonio Samaranch maintained an intimate relationship with the international gymnastics community.
In 1983, former FIG President Yuri Titov of Russia named him an Honorary Member.


* Obituary of F.I.G ...;
In 2006, incumbent President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA) made Samaranch the guest of honour at the festivities marking the 125th anniversary of the founding of the FIG in Geneva (SUI).

Juan Antonio Samaranch and the four-times Spanish European Champion of 1957, Joaquin BLUME

A shrewd politician, gymnastics is indebted to Samaranch for the extensive audience and popularity it enjoys today.
“Juan Antonio Samaranch had a decisive influence on the development of the FIG.
We are ever grateful,” declared President Grandi, markedly affected by Samaranch’s passing.

On behalf of its gymnasts and the entire international community,...
...  the Authorities of the International Gymnastics Federation address their sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
* source: f i g press

>> IOC PRESS RELEASE