As previously reported by Sportsin, Thomas Bach, the current President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has confirmed that he will not seek a third term as head of the organization. The 70-year-old German lawyer and former Olympic fencing champion, who has led the IOC since 2013, announced his decision during the 142nd session of the IOC, signaling the end of his tenure. “After 12 years in the office of IOC president, our organization is best served with a change in leadership,” Bach stated. “I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders. Change or be changed.”
[Celebrities in the stands of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games]
Bach acknowledged that his decision might disappoint some IOC members but stressed that it was made in the best interests of the Olympic movement. “I know with this decision I am disappointing many of you. But it is in the best interests of our beloved Olympic movement,” he added.
It is particularly significant that President Bach has stated he will not seek an extension of his term of office, especially considering he had the necessary number of votes to do so. His decision to respect the constitution and values of Olympism, setting aside any personal interests or ambitions, is commendable. Great leaders are always mindful of the timing and magnitude of decisions required by the circumstances.
THE NEW PRESIDENT: MARCH 2025
The election for Bach’s successor is set for March 2025, during the IOC membership meeting in Greece. The newly elected president will officially assume office in June 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the IOC.
🗣️ “The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were a celebration of the athletes and sport at its best.”
-Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.#Paris2024 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/MNK2o1Wze3
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 11, 2024
Bach’s presidency has been marked by significant advancements, particularly in the promotion of sustainability within the Olympic movement. His “Olympic Agenda 2020,” launched early in his presidency, has become a cornerstone of his legacy, focusing on ensuring that future Olympic Games are more environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Additionally, under Bach’s leadership, the IOC has remained committed to reinvesting in sports, with 90% of its revenues directed back into the development and promotion of sports globally. This approach has earned him widespread support from international sports federations that rely heavily on IOC funding.
SOME CANDIDATES
As the IOC looks toward the future, several prominent figures have emerged as potential candidates to succeed Bach. Among them are Kirsty Coventry, a 40-year-old former swimmer from Zimbabwe, and Nicole Hoevertsz, a 60-year-old former synchronized swimmer from Aruba. If elected, either would make history as the IOC’s first female president.
Prominent among the potential male candidates is Juan Antonio Samaranch, son of the leader who transformed the Olympic movement and built the IOC into a global sports giant. Another strong contender is Sebastian Coe, the current president of World Athletics, who has hinted at his interest in the role
