Former Olympics chief Juan Antonio Samaranch's memory lives long and is celebrated by his surviving children and grandchildren. But Samaranch also remains a household name in China. When in 2001 he announced Beijing to be the host for the 29th Summer Olympics, it was a moment etched on a generation's memory.

China's return to the Olympic family

Samaranch's connection with China started long before the 21st century – as his son, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, remembers. 

"My father said clearly that the Olympics is about something universal and there can be no universality in this world without China," he says. "He fought hard before even being president of the International Olympic Committee to bring China back on stage, to get China to finally march with the rest of the world athletes in Los Angeles at 84."

It was only fitting that Samaranch senior was there to present China its first ever gold medal, to Xu Haifeng for winning the 50-meter shooting event. 

The Olympic dream fulfilled

Samaranch continued to show a strong support to China for Beijing to host the summer games in 2000, and finally succeeded for 2008. There were huge celebrations when he announced – just before his retirement – that the Olympics were coming to the Chinese capital. The country mourned his passing two years later, but his son feels that his legacy and spirit remain.

"It says a lot about Chinese culture, the Chinese people," says Samaranch Jr. "The way they feel about my father, the way they treated my father and my last name being a household name. The friendship my father received from the Chinese people, it was very, very important to him, it was probably one of his most precious treasures. I would also like to earn that same respect."

The first country to host both the summer and winter Olympics

Samaranch Jr. continues to play significant role within the Olympic movement – he's now the vice-president of the IOC, and was part of the Organizing Committee for the Beijing Winter Olympics of 2022. He told CGTN that it was logistically one of the hardest events to organize in Olympic history, but the hosts showed their commitment to the cause.   

"I think they wanted to show the world what a good partner they could be, in a top country, in concert with other nations," he recalls. "In 2022, they wanted to demonstrate that they were here to stay, that they were reliable, and they were capable to deliver."

Building bridges for the future

The family ties were further strengthened by the inauguration of the Samaranch Foundation by his son in to promote closer cultural relations between Spain and China. 

One of their main activities is promoting sport by supplying Spanish coaches for team sports and sponsoring events that promote Olympianism.

He was particularly pleased with the Sanchez Casal Tennis Academy that was set up in Nanjing. It follows other launches in both Barcelona and Florida. The potential for growth in sport is huge. 

The Samaranch family relations with China now spans three generations as their grandson also volunteered to teach football in the north-eastern Province of Jilin to help young children improve their skills, in a network of schools that stretches across the country.

"We have literally hundreds, hundreds of programs, thousands of events every year that are trying to deliver that with very good partners that we have that help us finance those operations."

50th anniversary of strong diplomatic ties with Spain

The year 2023 marks a half-century of continued diplomatic relations between Spain and China. Samaranch Jr believes it's a relationship that has flourished and will continue to do so over the coming decades.  

"There's always been respect for the decisions and the way that China conducted their business," he reflects. "In return, we have always been respected by China, and I cannot forget that always when I went there what I would hear about Spain: The Chinese people would say, Spain is our best friend in Europe."

Keep an open mind 

Samaranch Jr admits that he has had a very fortunate life. The hardworking businessman has set up and been a founding member in a finance firm with offices all over the world. His advice to the younger generation from both countries is the same. 

"Keep an open mind, you will be surprised how many good things you will receive from engaging with China," he says. "Likewise, Spain is a friendly country – great quality of life. The Chinese need to study Spanish as it's the second language in the world. As for the Spanish, you should start to learn Chinese."

Huge opportunity ahead

China and Spain currently enjoy many mutual benefits. Spain's largest non-European trading partner is China; bilateral trade is worth close to $40 billion dollars. Samaranch Jr believes that figure is set to grow over the next few years – starting with Spain's number one industry. 

"Tourism is a great way of getting to know each other, and getting to understand between people from different parts of the world in trade," he says. "We also need to improve our excellent relationships. Trade can and should improve. We are not a significant trading partner of China at this moment compared to other European countries."

The Samaranch legacy continues

The Samaranch relationship that started many decades ago, with his father helping China return to its rightful place on the international stage of sport, has continued. The baton has been passed on to the next generations, to his son and grandson. It's a legacy that will forever be remembered for its positive impact in both Spain and China.     

Full interview by Miguel Moyano Varo for CGTN in Madrid.