IOC President Thomas Bach asserts that term limits within the Olympic committee are deemed essential.
After being encouraged by certain Olympic officials to abandon term limits and extend his tenure for another four years, IOC president Thomas Bach stated on Monday that these limits “are essential.” The German lawyer also publicly criticized Sebastian Coe, a potential successor, as some colleagues believe he is campaigning prematurely.
The proposal on Sunday to remain as president, which Bach declined to dismiss, heaped negative headlines on the International Olympic Committee. It made the Olympic body seem ready to override a key anti-corruption reform passed following the Salt Lake City bid scandal 25 years ago.
Bach, whose 12-year presidential term ends in 2025, also said Monday his supporters were opposed to any campaigning by one potential candidate – Coe, the president of track body World Athletics and a two-time Olympic champion runner.
Bach expressed that some of his colleagues believe that having an election campaign before the scheduled March 2025 presidential vote would disrupt the preparations for the crucial Olympic Games Paris, which hold great significance for the entire Olympic movement.
Coe, who achieved consecutive gold medals in the 1,500 meters, has expressed his openness to potentially running for the IOC presidency this year. This declaration of intent is uncommon in the secretive realm of Olympic politics.
On Monday, when asked if his supporters aimed to prevent Coe, Bach responded, “I leave that decision to you.”
He also declined to specify if he might yet be a candidate himself in 2025.
Bach had been a popular choice for the presidency for quite some time before being elected by IOC members in September 2013, amidst a competition involving six candidates. IOC presidents serve an initial term of eight years, and he was re-elected without any opposition in 2021, securing an additional four years in office.
During the IOC’s annual meeting in Mumbai, India, IOC members from Africa and Latin America commended Bach’s leadership in times of global crises. They requested him to consider modifying the organization’s rulebook to allow for a third term.
Bach mentioned that everyone desired to show their appreciation for the IOC’s achievements over the past decade.
“I also expressed my unwavering commitment to the Olympic Charter yesterday,” he stated, alluding to the regulations and principles that govern international sports. “As one of the authors of the Olympic Charter, I can attest that I believe term limits are highly logical and essential.”
Bach, who won an Olympic gold medal in fencing, further expressed during a press conference that it would be inappropriate to reject his colleagues’ proposal via the media rather than addressing them directly.
Any proposal to amend the charter must be made at least 30 days before IOC members next meet in July in Paris on the eve of the 2024 Games.
Speculation on who could succeed Bach has included two of the IOC’s four vice presidents, Nicole Hoevertsz of Aruba and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain. Zimbabwe sports minister Kirsty Coventry is also a possibility. The former Olympic swimmer is seen as a protege of Bach and was elected Monday to return to the 15-member IOC executive board through 2027.
Samaranch’s father was IOC president for 21 years from 1980 until 2001. He was succeeded by Jacques Rogge of Belgium, who had the maximum 12 years allowed by the post-Salt Lake City reforms.
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