Juan Antonio Samaranch, a reserved but talented dealmaker whose 21-year term as president of the International Olympic Committee was marked by the unprecedented growth of the games. The 89-year-old leaves a lasting Olympic legacy.
Born in Barcelona on July 17, 1920, Samaranch enjoyed success as a roller skater and led the Spanish team to the world title.
He pursued a career in sports politics in Francisco Franco's Spain, and won a place on the IOC in 1966.
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Former International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch, seen here in February 2010, has died at the age of 89 at a Barcelona hospital from a cardiorespiratory arrest. (AFP/Getty Images/File/Kevork Djansezian) |