Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reviewed the achievements of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and addressed key issues for the future of Olympism in an interview published Wednesday in the Spanish newspaper ‘Marca’. In his last stretch at the helm of the IOC, Bach highlighted the relevance of the reforms implemented during his tenure and the global impact of the world’s largest sporting event. “Paris was a brilliant Games. We were able to implement our Agenda 2020 reforms. These are the Games we envisioned together with our French partners and friends. The response from around the world so far is overwhelming and very positive.”
Bach emphasized that Paris 2024 marked a new era for Olympism. “They were the first Games planned and developed from start to finish since Agenda 2020. They were the youngest in history, the most urban, the most inclusive, the most sustainable and the first with gender parity.”
CONTROVERSY AND DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS
However, not everything was perfect. Bach lamented the controversies surrounding the Algerian and Vietnamese female boxers. “It was a pity that many people fell for the smear campaign initiated from Russia, with fake news aimed at defaming the Olympic Games, the IOC and France,” he explained.
The IOC president forcefully defended the athletes: “How were they born? Women. And they grew up as women. They had been women even at the Tokyo Olympics, when nobody said anything at the time.” Bach stressed that no international federation should exclude women from the women’s category.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LOS ANGELES 2028
Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, Bach anticipates significant technological advances. “Artificial intelligence will play a key role then. There will be a big impact on refereeing in Los Angeles, for sure. It will also influence the personalized preparation of athletes and the broadcasting of the Games.”
These developments, according to Bach, will allow fans to experience the Games in more interactive and personalized ways: “We will see big changes in the presentation of the Games in such a way that we will all be able to be our own filmmakers”.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPANISH SPORT
Bach praised Spain’s role in Olympic sport: “The IOC has to be very grateful to Spanish sport and Alejandro Blanco. Spain is a world power in sport, not only because of the 18 medals in Paris, but also because of the impact in team sports that require a broad base of athletes”.
He also highlighted initiatives led by the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) in sustainability and support for the refugee team. “The COE is leading by example not only in Spain, but in the Hispanic world. They have been the first to sign the action against climate change with the United Nations.”
HIS LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF THE COI
Regarding his term in office, Bach expressed his satisfaction with the advances in gender equality: “I am very happy with that. We have gone from 20% female participation to 50/50 in the Games, and in the IOC we have reached 42% in our general assembly.”
Finally, he praised Rafael Nadal’s legacy as an example of Olympic values: “He is a true champion. Hats off to him. He is not only one of the best tennis players of all time, he is an example of how the values of sport should be lived and evidenced.”
