Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has reignited the conversation regarding Spain’s potential to host a future Summer Olympic Games, specifically eyeing the 2040 cycle. In a recent interview with Radio Nacional de España (RNE), Samaranch emphasized that while the door is open, success hinges on absolute political unity.
A “Sense of Opportunity”
Reflecting on Spain’s rich Olympic history—headlined by the iconic Barcelona 1992 Games—Samaranch noted that the country remains a formidable candidate. Despite Madrid’s unsuccessful bids for the 2012, 2016, and 2020 editions, he believes the “administrative fatigue” of the past can be overcome with the right timing.
“Beyond a good project and solid plan, you need luck and, above all, a sense of opportunity,” Samaranch stated. He suggested that if Spain launches a bid for the Summer Games, it would “without any doubt be very seriously considered” by the IOC.
The 2036 vs. 2040 Debate
While Madrid’s regional leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has expressed a strong desire to pursue the 2036 Games, Samaranch described that window as “very close.” With at least eight pre-candidacies already in motion—including India, Qatar, Turkey (Istanbul), Germany, and Hungary—the competition for 2036 is expected to be “extremely tough.”
Consequently, 2040 has emerged as a more strategic target for the Spanish capital, allowing for the “reset” and long-term planning previously suggested by Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) President Alejandro Blanco.
The Core Requirement: Unanimity
Samaranch was blunt regarding the necessity of domestic harmony. He cited the failed Barcelona-Pyrenees 2030 Winter bid as a cautionary tale, noting it slipped away “because of internal political disagreements.”
“I don’t think it’s worth starting the project without unanimity and unity of action between the State, the city, and the autonomous community,” he warned.
Winter Games: A Reality Check
The prospect of a Winter Olympics in Spain appears distant. Samaranch remarked that the Winter editions are “likely practically decided until 2042.”
Local experts from Hielo Español also added a dose of realism, pointing out structural deficiencies. Despite Spain’s record-breaking performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games—where the nation secured two medals, including a gold by Oriol Cardona—the country still lacks high-performance ice centers. With only 11 competition-ready rinks for a population of 50 million, experts argue that infrastructure must catch up to athletic talent before a Winter bid becomes viable.
The “Paris Rebound”
Addressing concerns about declining interest among younger demographics, Samaranch dismissed the notion that the Olympic movement is losing its appeal. He cited a “rebound” in viewership and engagement following Paris 2024, insisting the Olympic product remains vibrant in the fragmented modern media landscape.