Olympics mourns loss of `first lady’, flag at half-mast

Despite the personal setback, Australian IOC Vice-President Kevan Gosper said he expected Samaranch, to return to see out the Games, his last."It depends on the personal circumstances and his responsibilities but I believe he will be back," Gosper said.

"He’s entirely committed, he’ll see out his mandate."Gosper said the death would be a huge loss to the President."He wanted these Games to start on a high note and they did and he wanted to be here when that happened. It’s very sad for him," he said. Salisachs-Rowe rarely accompanied her husband on his many international trips but has attended all the Olympic Games during his 20-year tenure – except Sydney.They married in 1955 and have two grown up children – Maria Teresa who was Spain’s attache to the Australian Olympic team in Barcelona in 1992, and a Son Juan Antonio.