Samaranch Will Seek Reelection to Third Term as IOC President

Forty-eight hours before he is scheduled to open the 25th Summer Olympics here in his hometown, Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee, announced Thursday that he will seek reelection when his second term expires next year.

In a dramatic conclusion to the IOC’s 99th session, a member from France, Maurice Herzog, asked Samaranch to defy his critics, specifically the authors of the recently published “The Lords of the Rings,” by announcing his intention to remain in office for another four years.

When the suggestion was greeted with a standing ovation by the 91 members in attendance, the president responded favorably. Samaranch, who turned 72 this week, was elected to an eight-year term in 1980, then reelected by acclamation to a four-year term in 1989.

The next election is scheduled for September, 1993, at Monte Carlo.

One IOC executive board member said that he believes Samaranch knew in advance of Herzog’s speech.

“I’d be surprised if he were surprised,” the member said.