Former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch Hospitalized

Juan Antonio Samaranch, The Former President Of The International Olympic Committee, Has Been Hospitalized

Samaranch is held at an intensive care unit at the Quiron Hospital hospital in Barcelona, and his prognosis is believed to be "very serious." Doctors say they are not optimistic given the acute condition and advanced aged of the patient.

On Tuesday, Samaranch, 89, is reported to have suffered from heart trouble, going into shock 20 minutes later. Former IOC President is currently on a respirator and is treated for "acute coronary insufficiency." He experienced health problems, including severe fatigue and high blood pressure, in the past.

Samaranch served as the President of the IOC from 1980 to 2001. He started off as chef de mission for the Spanish team at a number of Olympic events before being appointed Government Secretary for Sports by Spanish head of state Francisco Franco in 1967. Samaranch also became the President of the Spanish National Olympic Committee and a member of the IOC. Samaranch is widely credited for reviving the Olympic movement and making it financially viable. He also opened the door for professional athletes to take part in the Olympics. At the same time, Samaranch left a questionable legacy of extravagant personal spending as well as the surge of doping issues and corruption allegations under his rule.

In 2001, Samaranch was succeeded by Jacques Rogge who remains the IOC acting President.