Bach becomes most powerful man in sport as he succeeds Rogge as IOC President

Farewell Jacques

There came to an end today a glorious chapter in the Olympics history as IOC President Jacques Rogge's tenure came to an end after over ten years in charge of the most important institution in sport. The Belgian who is an orthopedic surgeon by profession was elected into office in the summer of 2001 and took charge of six Olympic games. He is to be succeeded by German Thomas Bach, a firm favourite in a choice of six candidates.

Congratulations Thomas Bach

The 59-year-old Bach, who is also the first Olympic champion to head the IOC, is the ninth president only in the body's 119-year history.

All but one of its leaders have been Europeans, with Avery Brundage of the United States the only outsider to break the monopoly, heading the IOC from 1952-1972.

"I want to be president of all of you," the German beamed as his fellow IOC members applauded the decision before hugging and kissing their colleague.

"There are really high emotions right now," Bach told international news agencies.

"To feel this great support from all the IOC members is overwhelming. I cannot describe it," said Bach, who had been in tears moments earlier when hugging his wife and close associates.

Asked what his first task was, he replied: "The first challenge will be to celebrate. We have the challenge of organising the Sochi Winter Games. We have to prepare well and I am sure they will be great Games."


Bach, long the front-runner for the top job, ticked all the boxes. An Olympic fencing champion at the 1976 Montreal Games, the multi-lingual and affable German was the founding president of his country's Olympic Sports Confederation with some 28 million members.

Congratulations started pouring in, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel

"I would like to congratulate you very warmly on your election as president of the International Olympic Committee," Merkel said in a statement.

"Your election to this very important sports political body impressively shows the respect and trust you enjoy within the Olympic family,"

"I am delighted that Germany will continue to be outstandingly represented on the international level by you."

We at Sportunes wish Bach a successful tenure and Herzlichen Glückwunsch!