IOC President Thomas Bach Announces Departure, Sebastian Coe Among Potential Successors

Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has announced that he will not seek a third term in office, setting the stage for new leadership ahead of the Paris 2024 Games. The 70-year-old German, who has led the IOC since 2013, made the announcement during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, citing a desire for new leadership and personal considerations.

“New times call for new leaders,” Bach said during his address to the committee. “I know with this decision I am disappointing many of you, but it is in the best interests of our beloved Olympic movement.”

Bach, an Olympic gold medalist in fencing at the 1976 Montreal Games, has been praised for his efforts to promote sustainability within the Olympic movement through initiatives like “Olympic Agenda 2020.” His tenure saw significant changes in the bidding process for the Olympic Games, aimed at reducing costs and increasing environmental consciousness.

However, Bach’s presidency has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for maintaining relationships with authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

His handling of the Russian doping scandal and his stance on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Games following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have also drawn scrutiny.

As Bach prepares to step down, attention turns to his potential successors, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emerging as a leading contender. Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1,500 meters and former chairman of the London 2012 Olympics Organizing Committee, has expressed interest in the role.

“I’ve always made it clear that, if the opportunity arose, I would give it serious thought,” Coe said at a press conference following the conclusion of the athletics competition at the Paris Olympics. “The opportunity has arisen, and clearly I need to think about it.”

Coe, 67, brings extensive experience within the Olympic movement, having been involved in various capacities over several decades. However, his age could be a potential hurdle, as the IOC has traditionally favored younger leaders.

Other potential candidates include Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry and Aruban former synchronized swimmer Nicole Hoevertsz, both of whom could make history as the IOC’s first female president.

The election of the next IOC president is expected to take place during the 143rd IOC Session in Athens, Greece, in March 2025. As the Olympic movement faces new challenges, including the rapid digitalization of sports and growing calls for greater inclusivity, the next leader will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Games.