The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) has accepted the resignation of IOC President Thomas Bach as an IOC Member, effective June 23, 2025. His departure will coincide with the official handover to the newly elected IOC President, who will be chosen on March 20, 2025, in Costa Navarino, Greece.

Bach formally submitted his resignation this week following his announcement at the IOC Session in Paris, where he confirmed he would not seek an extension to his presidency despite calls from IOC Members urging him to do so.

Thomas Bach’s Legacy in the IOC

Elected as the ninth President of the IOC on September 10, 2013, Bach was re-elected for a second four-year term on March 10, 2021. His leadership has been marked by significant reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing the Olympic Movement.

Before his tenure as IOC President, Bach had an illustrious career as an athlete and sports administrator. He became an Olympic champion when he won a gold medal in foil fencing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Bach played a crucial role in sports governance. In 2006, he was elected as the founding President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). He also served as an athletes’ representative at the XI Olympic Congress in Baden-Baden (1981) and was a founding member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Decades of Leadership and Contributions

Bach’s involvement with the IOC spans over three decades:
1991 – Elected as an IOC Member
1996 – Became a member of the IOC Executive Board
2000-2013 – Served over 10 years as IOC Vice-President
Chaired multiple IOC commissions

Bach’s decision to step down marks the end of an era in Olympic leadership. His successor will be tasked with continuing his legacy and steering the IOC into the future.

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