International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has announced that he will not seek a third term in office, ending his tenure in 2025. The 70-year-old German lawyer, who has led the IOC since 2013, made the announcement at a session of IOC members in Paris.
Bach’s decision comes despite requests from some members to extend his mandate. However, he emphasized that he believes it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to have a new leader. “New times are calling for new leaders,” he said.
Bach’s successor will be elected in 2025, and the race to replace him is expected to be competitive. Among the potential candidates is Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry, who is highly respected within the IOC.
Bach’s tenure as IOC President has been marked by both challenges and successes. He has overseen the implementation of several reforms, including the Agenda 2020 Olympic reforms, which aimed to make the Games more sustainable and accessible. He has also navigated the IOC through the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Despite these challenges, Bach has also faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, such as the Russian doping scandal and the IOC’s decision to award the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing.
Nevertheless, Bach’s legacy as IOC President will likely be defined by his commitment to the Olympic ideals and his efforts to promote unity and cooperation within the global sports community.
