At the 144th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Costa Navarino, Greece, Thomas Bach was unanimously elected as the honorary president for life. This milestone reflects his significant contributions over the years to the Olympic movement, and he will formally assume this lifelong title following the conclusion of his presidential term on June 23, 2025.
The proposal to award Bach this prestigious designation was introduced by IOC First Vice-President Nicole Huwetz on behalf of the organization’s Executive Committee. During the session, members expressed overwhelming support for this initiative, recognizing Bach's dedication and reform efforts during his presidency, which began in 2013.
Bach’s leadership marked an era of substantial reform, aiming to make the Olympic Games more accessible and manageable for host cities. His initiatives have notably aimed to curtail the extensive expenses that traditionally accompany the Games. Under his guidance, the IOC has sought to modernize its operations and adapt to contemporary challenges.
However, his tenure was not without challenges. Bach had to navigate complex issues regarding the participation of Russian athletes, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about the country’s doping policies and its military actions. Additionally, he managed the unprecedented postponement of both the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This made the Tokyo Games the first in history to be delayed for a year.
Despite these challenges, Bach's leadership steered the IOC through turbulent times, emphasizing the importance of athlete safety and integrity. His lifelong honorary title is a recognition of not just his tenure but also the longstanding tradition of honoring former IOC presidents, a practice that has persisted since the time of Pierre de Coubertin.
As Bach prepares for retirement from his official duties, the IOC is set to elect a new president. Elections will occur on March 20, 2025, and the newly elected president will assume office just a day later, on June 24, 2025. Currently, seven candidates are contending for the presidency:
- Morinari Watanabe, head of the International Gymnastics Federation
- Sebastian Coe, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations
- David Lappartient, head of the International Cycling Union
- Johan Eliasch, head of the International Ski Federation and Snowboarding
- Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice president of the IOC
- Faisal al-Hussein, IOC member
- Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion
This electoral process will determine who will succeed Bach as the next figurehead of the Olympic movement as it continues to evolve and address both global sports challenges and socio-political dynamics.
Bach himself has been part of the Olympic leadership since his election as president over a decade ago, in 2013. His officials have emphasized that the choice for the honorary president position reflects an acknowledgment of the strategic changes implemented under his presidency while paving the way for the new leadership that will navigate the IOC into the future.
In summary, Thomas Bach's transition to honorary president marks a significant chapter in his legacy of trying to modernize the Olympic Games while handling the complexities that come with them. Over the years, he has emphasized reforms that aim to balance tradition with modern expectations. His achievements, framed by the challenges he faced, will continue to influence the IOC and its future directions.
