BARCELONA, Sept. 16 -- The wife of International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch died Saturday as her husband was flying from halfway around the world to be at her side.
Maria Teresa Salisachs-Rowe, 67, had been suffering from cancer and she was hospitalized after failing rapidly late in the week.
Samaranch learned of his wife's deteriorating condition on the day of the Olympic opening ceremony in Sydney. Within hours after the ceremony ended, he boarded a play for the long trip home.
The death of his wife left questions as to whether Samaranch would even return to Australia to preside over the conclusion of what will be the final Olympics in his lone tenure as head of the IOC. The closing ceremonies will be held Oct. 1.
When Samaranch left Sydney, IOC first vice president Dick Pound of Canada took over the president's responsibilities. During an Olympics, there is a daily meeting among the IOC's executive board and chief members of the local organizing committee.
At the opening ceremonies Friday night, Samranch was accompanied by Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser and during his remarks during the festivities, he thanked Fraser for joining him.NEWLN:
