Three questions to Nuria Puig

What are the most significant evolutions you have witnessed at the IOC and the Olympic Studies Centre?

The OSC has undergone remarkable transformations—truly a complete metamorphosis! When I joined in the 1990s, it was an internal information and documentation team serving the IOC, with a small, mostly domestic library. Today, the OSC is a global initiative with international partnerships and activities. It has become the leading reference for Olympic knowledge, offering free access to a unique collection of resources through the Olympic World Library and promoting Olympic studies and research worldwide. It is now recognised both within and beyond the IOC as the key structure fostering constructive relationships between the IOC and the academic community.

As for the IOC, summarising 32 years of evolution in a few words is a challenge! While its mission to promote Olympism globally remains unchanged, almost everything else has evolved. To illustrate: when I started, there was no website—let alone social media. There were under 100 staff (at President Samaranch’s insistence), and we all knew each other. The Sports Department had fewer than 10 people, responsible for relations with the International Federations and National Olympic Committees, and for the Games. Daily press reviews were literally cut and pasted from newspapers. It feels like another planet!

What are you most proud of?

In my area of academic relations, what I am most proud of is contributing to its transformation from a blank page into a clear and ambitious strategy that strengthens the presence of Olympic studies in universities, and fosters meaningful collaboration with scholars who are passionate about the Olympic Movement and international sport. 

This journey was made possible thanks to the insight and dedication of colleagues and several generations of academics, starting with those who joined the first Research Council in 1998 (now the Selection Committee).

Together, we have cultivated a culture of collaboration between the IOC and the academic community, and built a vibrant global network of academics actively engaged with the Olympic Movement. The creation of a network of more than 80 Olympic Studies and Research Centres worldwide is an achievement that is very close to my heart.

Above all, I take great pride in seeing many of our former grant-holders grow into respected professors who continue to advance Olympic studies. These connections and accomplishments are a legacy I will always cherish.

What are the fondest memories you will take with you?

After 32 years, it’s hard to choose just a few memories—there are so many! My role has given me the privilege of meeting incredible people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, many of whom became friends: colleagues at the OSC and IOC, members of the Olympic Movement, and countless students, professors and researchers. I treasure the exchanges with academics—sometimes with differing views, but always united by a passion for Olympism and the power of sport. ​

I also hold dear the memories of my travel to meetings and conferences across all continents, often enriched by unexpected cultural experiences that made each trip unforgettable. 

And, of course, attending every Summer Games since my “home” Games in Barcelona—except Tokyo 2020—has been a unique privilege. Experiencing the symbolism and energy of the Games live is something truly incomparable. 

Thank you to everyone who has made this journey truly special!