Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), hailed the Paris 2024 Olympics as a major success but acknowledged there are still lessons to be learned. Speaking at the opening of the IOC Executive Board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, Bach reflected on the Games, which marked the final Olympics of his tenure as president.
Bach, who has served as IOC President since 2013, confirmed he will not seek re-election next year, paving the way for a new leader to take over in 2025. With his term coming to an end, the German reflected on a transformative 11 years in charge, during which he oversaw significant developments in the Olympic movement.
“The Paris 2024 Games were a great success, but as always, there are areas where we can improve. The Olympics continue to evolve, and that’s the key to their future,” Bach said.
The upcoming IOC presidential elections in Greece next March will see seven candidates vying to succeed Bach. Among the frontrunners is Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, who is widely regarded as the favourite.
Other contenders include Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, International Cycling Union chief David Lappartient, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs, son of the former IOC President.
Also in the running are Prince Feisal Al-Hussein of Jordan, International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe, and Olympic Winter Games chief Johan Eliasch.
The IOC will enter a new era when Bach steps aside, with the organisation facing challenges such as sustainability, political neutrality, and inclusivity. The Paris 2024 Games provided a glimpse of the Olympic movement’s future, with widespread praise for its innovative use of urban venues and focus on climate-conscious planning.
As the countdown to the election begins, the spotlight shifts to the seven candidates, each aiming to shape the future of the world’s biggest sporting event. With Sebastian Coe emerging as a leading figure, the IOC looks set for a dynamic leadership race that could define its direction for years to come.
