Juan in hospital following collapse
Former International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch was in hospital in Switzerland today being treated for breathing problems and exhaustion.
The 81-year-old Spaniard, who stood down after 21 years as head of the Olympic movement on Monday, was reported to be in a stable condition this afternoon but doctors were monitoring him closely.
Samaranch, who was replaced as IOC president by Belgian surgeon Jacques Rogge at their annual session in Moscow two days ago, experienced trouble breathing after giving an interview to a Spanish radio station late last night.
IOC director general Francois Carrard said today: "The former president flew back with us last night and on the flight he was in excellent condition and spirits.
"What he did was to give interviews until midnight last night, the rest of us were all exhausted, but he carried on.
"At the end of a talk show on Spanish radio he had some sort of breathing difficulty and then he was taken to hospital.
"I think his condition is already much better today and the reports are encouraging, but doctors have advised him to stay in hospital for a few more days."
Samaranch, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, has been criticised for his role in the election of his successor.
Richard Pound, a Canadian lawyer, and South Korean politician Un Yong Kim, main rivals to Rogge in Monday's vote, have both accused him of destroying their chances.
Pound, the marketing mastermind behind the IOC's financial success, said Samaranch damaged his campaign by criticising his work as head of the World Anti Doping Agency.
Kim added: "Samaranch systematically blocked my campaign. On the eve of the election he leaked a groundless allegation against me. I felt helpless because he lopsidedly supported Rogge to make him president."
The night before the vote Kim was forced to explain himself to the IOC's ethics commission after he was reported to have offered IOC members $ 50,000 (£ 35,000) for Olympic expenses, a breach of election rules.
