From his lakefront office over the peaceful waters of Lake Geneva, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach spoke on Friday in a rare interview to the Associated Press about his vision for the future of the Olympics. As he heads toward leaving after 12 years in power, Bach has confidence in the timelessness of the Games even as the globe wrestles with geopolitics and the pace of change.
“Getting made is new world order, and this getting made…won’t occur without rumbling,” Bach admitted, referring to uncertainties of the globe. But he was hopeful the Olympics would remain a rallying point, defying political and social differences.
Bach, an ex-Olympic gold medal winner in fencing, reiterated that the Games are about something more than sport. They are an international platform on which host countries get to promote their culture, values, and hospitality. He referred to the next 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as an example case in point.
“The people of America appreciate and love the fact that the Games are sport, but they are more than sport. They will want to welcome the world’s athletes,” he said. Asked about possible challenges, such as the political situation in the United States, Bach brushed aside concerns. “I am convinced that President Trump and his administration will fully support the Olympic Games,” he said, referring to Trump’s love of sports. Bach also avoided commenting on whether the IOC would accept sponsorship from Elon Musk-owned companies, stating, “From what I see, he is interested in other things.
Throughout his stint, Bach has presided over some major IOC reforms. Among these are pushing towards near parity in the representation of athletes across genders, redrawing the rules of bidding among host cities, and establishing an Olympic refugee team to accommodate athletes displaced by crises. He further led the launch of an over-the-top television platform, extending Olympic content beyond geographical boundaries to reach a wider audience.
Maybe one of Bach’s most significant feats is winning the hosting rights for the subsequent four editions of the Games. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan-Cortina, then Los Angeles in 2028, the French Alps in 2030, and Brisbane in 2032. Salt Lake City also stands to host the 2034 Winter Games, providing stability for the IOC for at least ten years.
As Bach makes way for a new torch-bearer, the battle to replace him is intensifying. Seven people have formally announced their candidacy for the IOC presidency, among them Jordan’s Prince Feisal al-Hussein, British Olympic icon Sebastian Coe, and Zimbabwean swimming legend Kirsty Coventry. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, is reportedly Bach’s choice to succeed him, even though he has been keeping his options open publicly.
We all have an excellent relationship with him, and I believe that he is treating us very well,” Coventry said during a recent IOC visit. She was impressed with shared philosophies of Bach and hers, including a mutual grasp of the athlete’s experience.
Bach, himself eligible to vote in the election, has signaled that he would refrain from doing so to exercise objectivity. The 110 members of the IOC will pick a new chief on March 20, who will assume the role on Olympic Day, June 23. Bach will hold the position of an interim incumbent until a handover period is complete in three months.
With the world observing the unfolding leadership contest, Bach’s legacy remains a testament to his prowess in steering the IOC through stormy weather. His reforms have updated the organization to make it contemporary and relevant in a changing world. Although the future is uncertain to faces other challenges, Bach’s vision of the Olympics as a symbol of unity and hope continues to motivate.
“The Games are about uniting people,” said Bach, in his reflection on his time as president. “They are about embracing our common humanity. That will never be altered.”
As the IOC looks to initiate a new age, the globe waits to hear who will help to continue this lasting Olympic essence.
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