Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach called for unwavering commitment to unity and political neutrality during his final major address on Monday, framing these principles as critical safeguards for the global Olympic Movement's future.
Speaking at Olympia, Greece – the birthplace of the ancient Games – Bach invoked Olympic founder Pierre de Coubertin's vision while addressing over 100 IOC members ahead of Thursday's presidential election. "Unity does not mean everyone must have the same opinion. It means all are committed to the same values," he declared, emphasizing solidarity among 206 National Olympic Committees as key to addressing global inequalities.
Athletes First, Politics Last
Bach outlined clear priorities for his successor, urging continued focus on empowering athletes while resisting geopolitical pressures: "If the IOC takes the position in favor of one bloc or another, our Movement would be torn apart. We must remain a global institution, not a political instrument."
The remarks come as Asian nations play increasing leadership roles in global sports governance, with China recently hosting both Summer and Winter Games and India's Nita Ambani joining the IOC executive board last year.
Blueprint for Equal Footing
Key recommendations included:
Equal resource distribution between wealthy and developing Olympic Committees
Decentralized decision-making through universal voting rights
Enhanced anti-discrimination protocols across all sporting events
As the Olympic torch begins its journey to Paris 2024, Bach's legacy of navigating complex global tensions – including during the Beijing Winter Games – leaves a challenging roadmap for his successor in an era of heightened geopolitical competition.
