BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Caribbean’s overwhelming success at the Beijing Olympics did not go unnoticed by late former International Olympic Committee (IOC) boss Juan Antonio Samaranch.

The long-serving IOC president, who died on Wednesday, was on hand in China’s capital two years ago as Jamaican Usain Bolt made headlines with sensational record-breaking victories in the 100 and 200 metres.

IOC executive, Barbadian Austin Sealy said Samaranch had sought him out at the Bird’s Nest to express his delight with the Caribbean success.

“He made it a point to seek me out in Beijing, although he had already stepped down and when he witnessed the exploits of Usain Bolt and the other medallists, Samaranch proudly said, ‘I take my hat off to the small nations of the Caribbean’,” Sealy told CMC Sports, as he paid tribute to Samaranch this week.

Jamaica snatched 11 medals as the Caribbean finished with its best-ever haul at an Olympics with 15 medals.

The 89-year-old Samaranch passed away in a Barcelona hospital after being admitted with heart problems last weekend.

He has been credited with transforming the Olympic Games from a struggling event dogged by controversy to a well-run, multi-billion-dollar enterprise.