The heroes of Barcelona ’92

These are the athletes, who are at a very high level. In Seoul’88 only four medals were won (Doreste, Casal/Vicario, Sergi López and Jorge Guardiola). In Barcelona’92 22 were achieved, of which 13 were gold. There was a plan of action among athletes and companies realized that associating their brands with the values ​​of sport could be profitable. An ancient formula emerged and visualized: more money, more success, if there is talent. Businessmen were turned away from civil society. The Games are also about the people, who fill the venues with enthusiasm, who make the Games their own and deploy an impressive force of volunteers.

The list of people who participated in that explosion of success and modernity is very long. Its extreme reduction always excludes people who are known for their contribution, but in the end the big names fit on the fingers of one hand, although they have the support of many others.

Sports companies have realized that associating their brands with sport is profitable

Juan Antonio Samaranch He was the main architect of the Games held in Barcelona and he was the best in history, as he commented at the end. The IOC president imposed his standards on an Olympic committee that voted for him, even though he had the Anglo-Saxon bloc against him, which persecuted him during his mandate. The sport at that time was dominated by a tripartite (Samaranch, Primo Nebiolo and Havelange). Barcelona cannot thank him enough, but Samaranch is the first key.

Pasqual Maragall lead the transformation of the city with intelligence. He opened the Barcelona to the sea and handed over the intercom without it. Only a work like the Games allows for change. Maragall took advantage of this and Barcelona took a leap of modernity.

Joseph Miquel Abad He was the conductor of some impeccable Games. A wonderful economic manager and undeniable honesty. He is the key figure in the organization and knows how to surround himself with a great team.

Joseph Lluis Vilaseca He played a very important role, assigned by Jordi Pujol and a friend of Samaranch. The secretary of Esports of the Generalitat knows how to sew, when it should be; show firmness if necessary and extend your hand. Finnezza. He also did it with Javier Gómez Navarro, Secretary of State for Sports.

The world has seen a work of art, but behind the scenes the engineers have a lot of work, not a few headaches, left hand and management ability to solve problems. Because the end goal is clear and it is in everyone’s interest that it goes well. It is the clever expression of a common project between parts of different colors without unwanted stains.