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He was one of my teachers.
I owe him a debt which could never been paid off. Juan Antonio Samaranch has been always dreaming to award me Olympic gold medal. In 1988 in Seoul he gave his place on medal ceremony to Mr. Primo Nebiolo. But in Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney he was a person who was going to award medals for men's pole vault. We failed to meet at the Olympic podium... Sorry, teacher.
But still I've always felt his support and warmth of his heart. He was a great friend for every athlete – all of us know it very well. He was really dedicated to sports. He was passionate about the idea that sport should stop all the wars and conflicts on Earth.
We clearly understand that Juan Antonio Samaranch has rescued Olympic movement from deep crisis and decline. He himself inspired all sports people to join efforts making Olympics what they are now – bright inspirational show of sportsmanship and celebration of humanity. The most noble show in the world – it is a creature of the most noble person in recent Olympic history.
He has never been an Olympic champion. Still he WAS an athlete and the champion in the highest of word's meaning. He competed for the triumph of Coubertin's ideas. It was not an easy competition. The road to the victory was “long and windy”. He gained his victory – not only his personal, but our common victory of the human spirit.
I praise the great victor Juan Antonio Samaranch. And I mourn him wothout hiding my tears. We have lost a legendary person. An epoch-making man.
All athletes have lost a great friend.
I have lost my teacher...