Juan Antonio Samaranch was a Spanish sports administrator best known for serving as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1980 to 2001. He played a significant role in modernizing the Olympic Games and expanding their global reach, helping to increase sponsorship and television revenues. Born on July 17, 1920, in Barcelona, Spain, Samaranch was also a diplomat and served in various governmental roles. His leadership contributed to the successful organization of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, which is often regarded as one of the best Olympic Games in history. He passed away on April 21, 2010.