International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to Step Down After Second Term
Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has announced his intention to resign following the conclusion of his second term next year. Bach, who has held the position since 2013, surprised IOC members during a session at the Paris Games with his decision to not seek an extension, despite requests for him to continue.
An extension of his term would necessitate alterations to the Olympic charter, which currently limits the presidency to a maximum of 12 years—comprising an initial eight-year term followed by a four-year term, a structure to which he contributed.
"After 12 years in the office of IOC president, our organization is best served with a change in leadership. New times are calling for new leaders," Bach expressed in a poignant address.
The election for the new IOC president is set to take place in March 2025, during a session held in ancient Olympia, with the transition of leadership occurring in June of the same year. At present, no members have publicly announced their candidacy to succeed him.
Bach, a 1976 Olympic fencing champion and an IOC member since 1991, has led with a firm hand since taking over from Jacques Rogge over a decade ago. His tenure is marked by significant reforms aimed at expediting the inclusion of sports in the Olympic program, streamlining the bidding process, and reducing costs to enhance the appeal of the Games to potential host cities.
