Thomas Bach

Thomas Bach is a German sports administrator and former foil fencer who served as president of the International Olympic Committee from 2013 to 2025.

Olympic Agenda 2020: A reform program adopted by the International Olympic Committee in 2014 to make the Olympic movement more sustainable and flexible. Bach’s first major reform package widened host-city options and changed the bidding process.
2020 Summer Olympics: The Tokyo Olympic Games, held in 2021 after postponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bach oversaw the unprecedented postponement and delivery of the Games under pandemic restrictions.
Jacques Rogge: A Belgian physician and sports administrator who served as International Olympic Committee president from 2001 to 2013. Rogge was Bach’s predecessor and passed the presidency to him in 2013.
Olympic neutrality: The principle that the Olympic movement should remain politically neutral while promoting peaceful international sport. Bach defended neutrality as an Olympic principle, while critics questioned its application in political disputes.
Olympic Agenda 2020+5: A 2021 strategic roadmap of 15 recommendations for the Olympic movement through 2025. It extended Bach’s reform agenda with priorities including digital engagement and solidarity.
2022 Winter Olympics: The Beijing Winter Olympic Games, held in February 2022 amid diplomatic boycotts and pandemic controls. The event tested the IOC’s handling of human-rights criticism and political pressure during Bach’s presidency.
Kirsty Coventry: A Zimbabwean former swimmer and sports administrator elected International Olympic Committee president in 2025. Coventry succeeded Bach, becoming the first woman and first African elected to the office.
Sportwashing: The use of sports events or sponsorships to improve the reputation of a state or organization facing criticism. Critics applied this charge to Olympic hosting decisions made during Bach’s tenure.
Olympic Solidarity: An International Olympic Committee program that distributes resources and training support to national Olympic committees and athletes. Bach emphasized support for athletes and national committees, especially those with fewer resources.
2024 Summer Olympics: The Paris Olympic Games, held from July to August 2024. Paris hosted the final Summer Games of Bach’s presidency, with a city-centered and lower-build approach.

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