President of the International Olympic Committee that was held prior to the 1980 Summer Olympics – between 15 and 18 July 1980. He officially assumed presidency at the end of the Moscow Olympics. During his term, Samaranch managed to make the Olympic Movement financially healthy, with big television deals and sponsorships. Although the 1984 Summer Olympics were boycotted by the Eastern Bloc countries, the number of nations with a membership of the IOC and participating increased at every Games during his presidency. Samaranch also wanted the best athletes to compete in the Olympics, which led to the gradual acceptance of professional athletes. One achievement of Samaranch
Venezuela at the 1956 Summer Olympics Venezuela at the 1956 Summer Olympics Venezuela competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia, and in the equestrian events held in Stockholm, Sweden. 22 competitors, all men, were selected by the Comité Olímpico Venezolano to take part in 16 events in 5 sports. This was the first and one of the only three times a Venezuelan equestrian representation were sent to a Summer Olympic Games. Venezuela will not send any other equestrian team until 1988 Summer Olympics. Also these games were the second time of a total of four that Venezuelan women will not compete in any