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{{Short description|President of the International Olympic Committee since 2013}} | {{Short description|President of the International Olympic Committee since 2013 (born 1953)}} | ||
{{for |
{{for-multi|the American jurist and politician|Thomas C. Bach|the locomotive with this name|Llanberis Lake Railway}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}} | ||
{{expand German|topic=bio|date=December 2021|Thomas Bach}} | |||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| honorific-prefix = ] | | honorific-prefix = ] | ||
| name = Thomas Bach | | name = Thomas Bach | ||
| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|OLY|size=100%}} | | honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|OLY|size=100%}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympians.org/woa/leadership/ |title=WOA Leadership |website=] |access-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref> | ||
| image = Thomas Bach (13951010204).jpg | | image = Thomas Bach (13951010204).jpg | ||
| alt = | | alt = | ||
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| predecessor = ] | | predecessor = ] | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1953|12|29}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1953|12|29}} | ||
| birth_place = ], |
| birth_place = ], Bavaria, West Germany | ||
| death_date = | | death_date = | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
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| alma_mater = ] (]) | | alma_mater = ] (]) | ||
| profession = Lawyer | | profession = Lawyer | ||
| signature = Thomas Bach signature. |
| signature = Thomas Bach signature.svg | ||
| module = {{Infobox sportsperson|embed=yes | | module = {{Infobox sportsperson|embed=yes | ||
| sport = Fencing | | sport = Fencing | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Thomas Bach''' |
'''Thomas Bach''' (born 29 December 1953) is a German lawyer, former ] ], and Olympic gold medalist. He has served as the ninth ] since 2013, the first ever Olympic champion to be elected to that position. Bach is also a former German individual foil champion as well as a team world champion, and former member of the ]'s executive board. | ||
==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
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==Fencing career== | ==Fencing career== | ||
Bach is a former ], who competed for ]. In 1971, at 17 years of age, he won the German national junior foil championship, and a ] at the ] in Chicago, Illinois.<ref name="auto"></ref><ref></ref> | |||
At the ] he also won a team ] in 1973 in ], Sweden, a team gold medal in 1977 in ], Argentina, and a team bronze medal in 1979 in ] |
At the ] he also won a team ] in 1973 in ], Sweden, a team gold medal in 1977 in ], Argentina, and a team bronze medal in 1979 in ], Australia.<ref name="auto1"> Olympics.com.</ref><ref>. sport-komplett.de</ref> Bach completed his last competitive international match on 26 October 1980 in ].<ref>{{cite news|author1=袁虹衡|author2=李远飞|url=https://ie.bjd.com.cn/5b165687a010550e5ddc0e6a/contentApp/5b21db20e4b0243950038414/AP5bbda0cae4b0427a4869710a.html?isshare=1|title=奥运冠军吴静钰和国际奥委会主席巴赫及夫人 在青奥会上"家人团聚"|publisher=京报体育|date=2018-10-10|language=zh|quote=最终侯琨发现了这本详细记录当年巴赫主席作为前西德运动员,随击剑队来华访问的中文资料,并与巴赫主席确认,他最后一场比赛的时间为1980年10月26日,地点在上海|accessdate=2022-03-01|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228162245/https://ie.bjd.com.cn/5b165687a010550e5ddc0e6a/contentApp/5b21db20e4b0243950038414/AP5bbda0cae4b0427a4869710a.html?isshare=1|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
He won a foil team ] at the ] in Montreal, Canada.<ref name="sports-reference" /> On 11 November 2017, |
He won a foil team ] at the ] in Montreal, Canada.<ref name="sports-reference" /> On 11 November 2017, Bach was formally granted the use of the ] "]".<ref name="oly">{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1057866/athletes-guilty-of-doping-or-bringing-sport-into-disrepute-will-be-barred-from-oly-lettering-woa-reveal|title=Athletes guilty of doping or bringing sport into disrepute will be barred from "OLY" lettering, WOA reveal|date=13 November 2017|website=www.insidethegames.biz|access-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518175100/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1057866/athletes-guilty-of-doping-or-bringing-sport-into-disrepute-will-be-barred-from-oly-lettering-woa-reveal|archive-date=18 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Nationally, |
Nationally, Bach won the 1977 and 1978 German Individual Foil Championships.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/> He also won the 1978 European Cup of Champions of foil teams.<ref name="auto1"/> | ||
==DOSB Presidency== | ==DOSB Presidency== | ||
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] and ], Thomas Bach stays in the ] when he is in ]<ref>{{in lang|fr}} Laurent Favre and Servan Peca, "Le CIO fait sa mue", '']'', Wednesday 15 April 2015, page 9.</ref>]] | ] and ], Thomas Bach stays in the ] when he is in ]<ref>{{in lang|fr}} Laurent Favre and Servan Peca, "Le CIO fait sa mue", '']'', Wednesday 15 April 2015, page 9.</ref>]] | ||
On 9 May 2013, Bach confirmed that he would run for ] of the ].<ref name=spon>{{cite news |title=Nachfolger von Jacques Rogge: Thomas Bach kandidiert für IOC-Präsidentenamt |url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/thomas-bach-kandidiert-fuer-ioc-praesidentenamt-a-898906.html |access-date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=] |date=8 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= |
On 9 May 2013, Bach confirmed that he would run for ] of the ].<ref name=spon>{{cite news |title=Nachfolger von Jacques Rogge: Thomas Bach kandidiert für IOC-Präsidentenamt |url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/thomas-bach-kandidiert-fuer-ioc-praesidentenamt-a-898906.html |access-date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=] |date=8 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/9257659/thomas-bach-announces-ioc-presidential-candidacy |title=Thomas Bach announces IOC presidential candidacy |website=Espn.go.com |date=9 May 2013 |access-date=22 August 2016}}</ref> | ||
===2013 IOC presidential election=== | ===2013 IOC presidential election=== | ||
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|} | |} | ||
Bach officially moved into the IOC presidential office at the IOC headquarters in ], |
Bach officially moved into the IOC presidential office at the IOC headquarters in ], Switzerland, on 17 September 2013, a week after being elected president.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mackay |first=Duncan |url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/olympics/1016060-bach-moves-into-office-at-ioc-headquarters-after-becoming-new-president |title=Bach moves into office at IOC headquarters after becoming new President |website=Insidethegames.biz |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=22 August 2016}}</ref> | ||
At a meeting of the 137th session of the International Olympic Committee on 10 March 2021, Bach was re-elected to an additional four-year term as |
At a meeting of the 137th session of the International Olympic Committee on 10 March 2021, Bach was re-elected to an additional four-year term as president. Bach, 67, was re-elected by a 93–1 vote from 94 valid votes during the session which was held virtually due to the ongoing ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-thomas-bach-re-elected-ioc-president/2171713|title=German Thomas Bach re-elected IOC president|access-date=10 March 2021|language=en|website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> This is Bach's final term as IOC president, as the organization's rules limit the president's term to eight years with one renewal of four years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.com/ioc/faq/ioc-organisation/how-is-the-ioc-president-elected-and-what-is-his-role |title=How is the IOC President elected and what is his role? |website=IOC |access-date=18 February 2022}}</ref> On 10 August 2024, Bach announced that he intends to step down as IOC president when his term ends in 2025 despite being asked to stay on.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-10 |title=Thomas Bach to step down as IOC president in 2025 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/cy8x9pjjy19o |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
===Olympic Agenda 2020=== | ===Olympic Agenda 2020=== | ||
{{Expand section|date=June 2018}} | {{Expand section|date=June 2018}} | ||
Following his election as IOC President, Bach indicated his desire to change the Olympic bidding process and make sustainable development a priority. He stated that the current bidding process "asks too much, too early".<ref>. gamesbids.com (11 September 2013)</ref> These forty proposed reforms became known as Olympic Agenda 2020; they were all unanimously approved at the ] in ]. | Following his election as IOC President, Bach indicated his desire to change the Olympic bidding process and make sustainable development a priority. He stated that the current bidding process "asks too much, too early".<ref>. gamesbids.com (11 September 2013)</ref> These forty proposed reforms became known as Olympic Agenda 2020; they were all unanimously approved at the ] in ] in 2014. | ||
===Olympic host city elections=== | ===Olympic host city elections=== | ||
] at the ] in ], Brazil, 6 August 2016]] | ] at the ] in ], Brazil, 6 August 2016]] | ||
The first bidding process over which Thomas Bach presided was for the ]. Bids were due in November 2013, and the host city, ], was elected to host the 2022 Winter Olympics at the ] in ], |
The first bidding process over which Thomas Bach presided was for the ]. Bids were due in November 2013, and the host city, ], was elected to host the 2022 Winter Olympics at the ] in ], Malaysia, in July 2015. Lausanne was elected to host the ] during that same session. | ||
During the bidding process for the ] in 2017, President Bach proposed a joint awarding of the 2024 and ] after several bidders withdrew. The IOC later approved a plan to award the 2024 Olympics to ], with ] securing the right to host the 2028 Olympics. President Bach presided over the electoral procedures at the ] in ], |
During the bidding process for the ] in 2017, President Bach proposed a joint awarding of the 2024 and ] after several bidders withdrew. The IOC later approved a plan to award the 2024 Olympics to ], with ] securing the right to host the 2028 Olympics. President Bach presided over the electoral procedures at the ] in ], Peru. Both cities were unanimously elected. | ||
] and ] were elected to host the ] at the ] in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2019. | ] and ] were elected to host the ] at the ] in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2019. | ||
== |
=== Reception and challenges === | ||
=== Consultancy contract for Siemens === | ==== Consultancy contract for Siemens ==== | ||
Thomas Bach came under criticism when it became known in April 2008 that he had a consulting contract with ] from the turn of the millennium, which was remunerated with 400,000 Euros in 2008 and provided for additional expenses of 5,000 Euros per day. Bach is said to have organized invitations from the Arab world for the Siemens Group. Siemens supervisory board members criticized that with such high fees, additional daily payment was "absolutely unusual." They also criticized a possible conflict of interest, because Siemens profited from contracts related to sports, and overlaps between his professional activities and his work as a sports official.<ref>{{Cite web | |
Thomas Bach came under criticism when it became known in April 2008 that he had a consulting contract with ] from the turn of the millennium, which was remunerated with 400,000 Euros in 2008 and provided for additional expenses of 5,000 Euros per day. Bach is said to have organized invitations from the Arab world for the Siemens Group. Siemens supervisory board members criticized that with such high fees, additional daily payment was "absolutely unusual." They also criticized a possible conflict of interest, because Siemens profited from contracts related to sports, and overlaps between his professional activities and his work as a sports official.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kistner |first1=Thomas |last2=Ott |first2=Klaus |date=2010-05-17 |title=Heikle Details |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/sportpolitik-heikle-details-1.183012 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Süddeutsche.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-09-20 |title=Siemens-Affäre: IOC-Vize Bach und CDU-Abgeordneter Adam in Erklärungsnot |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/siemens-affaere-ioc-vize-bach-und-cdu-abgeordneter-adam-in-erklaerungsnot-a-579340.html |access-date=2023-10-20 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-10-04 |title=Siemens-Affäre: IOC-Vize Bach noch stärker unter Druck |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/siemens-affaere-ioc-vize-bach-noch-staerker-unter-druck-a-582161.html |access-date=2023-10-20 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref> | ||
=== President of the Ghorfa === | ==== President of the Ghorfa ==== | ||
Bach has been criticized for his work as president of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (). Ghorfa legalizes trade documents of companies that want to export to Arab countries. It does so by certifying that the products do not contain parts from Israel. The practice was introduced in the 1970s as part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-27 |title=Streit um IOC-Vorsitz: Im Schnittbereich |url=https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/sport-leidenschaft/streit-um-ioc-vorsitz-im-schnittbereich-li.7105 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Berliner Zeitung |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-19 |title=Ein kühler Netzwerker |url=https://www.fr.de/sport/sport-mix/kuehler-netzwerker-11331472.html |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=www.fr.de |language=de}}</ref> | Bach has been criticized for his work as president of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (). Ghorfa legalizes trade documents of companies that want to export to Arab countries. It does so by certifying that the products do not contain parts from Israel. The practice was introduced in the 1970s as part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-27 |title=Streit um IOC-Vorsitz: Im Schnittbereich |url=https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/sport-leidenschaft/streit-um-ioc-vorsitz-im-schnittbereich-li.7105 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Berliner Zeitung |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-19 |title=Ein kühler Netzwerker |url=https://www.fr.de/sport/sport-mix/kuehler-netzwerker-11331472.html |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=www.fr.de |language=de}}</ref> | ||
===Controversies surrounding Russia=== | ====Controversies surrounding Russia==== | ||
⚫ | {{ |
||
] ] at the ] in ]]] | ] ] at the ] in ]]] | ||
⚫ | {{See also|Doping in Russia|Concerns and controversies at the 2024 Summer Olympics}} | ||
One of the biggest challenges Bach has been faced with as IOC President is having to deal with ]. This program did begin prior to his presidency, but nonetheless it has become a pressing issue during his tenure. It had been discovered that Russia tampered with the anti-doping lab at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and that the government had overseen mass ] among the ] for many years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1057397/bach-accuses-critics-of-olympic-movement-of-ignorance-and-aggression|title=Bach accuses critics of Olympic movement of ignorance and aggression|first=Nick|last=Butler|publisher=Inside the Games|date=2 November 2017|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2017/11/24/ahead-of-russia-decision-thomas-bach-warns-critics/|title=Ahead of Russia decision, Thomas Bach warns critics|publisher=NBC|date=24 November 2017|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Bach's call to "respect the rules and stay clean" was widely interpreted as a reference to the Russian scandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ioc-president-stay-clean-russian-doping-opening-ceremony-2018-2|title=IOC president Thomas Bach took a shot at Russian doping during his speech at opening ceremony|first=Tyler|last=Lauletta|publisher=Business Insider|date=9 February 2018|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Bach was harshly criticized for what many see as turning a blind eye to Russia's state-sponsored Olympic doping effort. ], attorney for whistleblower ], called Bach's move to reinstate the ] following the 2018 Winter Olympics, despite the failed drug tests during the Games, "weakness in the face of evil".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/01/sport/rodchenkov-jim-walden-ioc-olympic-russia-roc/index.html|title=Russian Olympic Committee's reinstatement is 'weakness in the face of evil', says lawyer|first=Henry |last=Young|work=CNN|access-date=2 March 2018}}</ref> | One of the biggest challenges Bach has been faced with as IOC President is having to deal with ]. This program did begin prior to his presidency, but nonetheless it has become a pressing issue during his tenure. It had been discovered that Russia tampered with the anti-doping lab at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and that the government had overseen mass ] among the ] for many years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1057397/bach-accuses-critics-of-olympic-movement-of-ignorance-and-aggression|title=Bach accuses critics of Olympic movement of ignorance and aggression|first=Nick|last=Butler|publisher=Inside the Games|date=2 November 2017|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2017/11/24/ahead-of-russia-decision-thomas-bach-warns-critics/|title=Ahead of Russia decision, Thomas Bach warns critics|publisher=NBC|date=24 November 2017|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Bach's call to "respect the rules and stay clean" was widely interpreted as a reference to the Russian scandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ioc-president-stay-clean-russian-doping-opening-ceremony-2018-2|title=IOC president Thomas Bach took a shot at Russian doping during his speech at opening ceremony|first=Tyler|last=Lauletta|publisher=Business Insider|date=9 February 2018|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Bach was harshly criticized for what many see as turning a blind eye to Russia's state-sponsored Olympic doping effort. ], attorney for whistleblower ], called Bach's move to reinstate the ] following the 2018 Winter Olympics, despite the failed drug tests during the Games, "weakness in the face of evil".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/01/sport/rodchenkov-jim-walden-ioc-olympic-russia-roc/index.html|title=Russian Olympic Committee's reinstatement is 'weakness in the face of evil', says lawyer|first=Henry |last=Young|work=CNN|access-date=2 March 2018}}</ref> | ||
There was wide speculation that Vladimir Putin's support was a key factor in Thomas Bach's election as IOC president in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/rio-olympics-russia-drugs-vladimir-putin-ioc |title=Vladimir Putin and Thomas Bach: the unlikely Olympic power couple |first=Owen |last=Gibson|work=The Guardian|date=July 25, 2016 |access-date=1 April 2023 }}</ref> It was reported that Putin had congratulated Bach by phone only a few minutes after his election.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20131009/sports/sports96.html |title=New IOC president Bach heads to Sochi |work=The Gleaner|date=October 9, 2013 |access-date=1 April 2023 }}</ref> |
There was wide speculation that Vladimir Putin's support was a key factor in Thomas Bach's election as IOC president in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/rio-olympics-russia-drugs-vladimir-putin-ioc |title=Vladimir Putin and Thomas Bach: the unlikely Olympic power couple |first=Owen |last=Gibson|work=The Guardian|date=July 25, 2016 |access-date=1 April 2023 }}</ref> It was reported that Putin had congratulated Bach by phone only a few minutes after his election.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20131009/sports/sports96.html |title=New IOC president Bach heads to Sochi |work=The Gleaner|date=October 9, 2013 |access-date=1 April 2023 }}</ref> | ||
Bach has been criticized by German media for his perceived friendliness towards Russia.<ref name="DNieuws">{{cite news |last=Bouwman |first=Bertus |url=https://duitslandnieuws.nl/blog/2014/03/31/zeven-duitse-vrienden-van-poetin-van-siemens-topman-kaeser-tot-helmut-schmidt/ |title=Zeven Duitse vrienden van Poetin: van Siemens-topman Kaeser tot Helmut Schmidt |trans-title=Seven German friends of Putin: From Siemens manager Kaeser to Helmut Schmidt |date=March 31, 2014 |website=Duitslandnieuws }}</ref> He was even seen as instrumental in lifting the ]'s ban on Russian athletes in 2018.<ref name="Mittman">{{Cite news|url=https://www.suedkurier.de/ueberregional/sport/Dopingexperten-sehen-IOC-Boss-Thomas-Bach-als-treibende-Kraft-dass-die-Welt-Antidoping-Agentur-den-Bann-gegen-Russland-aufgehoben-hat;art410965,9897640 |title=Dopingexperten sehen IOC-Boss Thomas Bach als treibende Kraft, dass die Welt-Antidoping-Agentur den Bann gegen Russland aufgehoben hat |trans-title=Doping experts see IOC Boss Thomas Bach as the leader of the effort that made WADA lift the ban on Russia |first=Ralf |last=Mittman |work=Südkurier|access-date=1 April 2023}}</ref> Bach has also expressed support for ] at the 2024 Summer Olympics, despite the ongoing ]. Responding to opposition from several nation states, he said that it should not be up to national governments to decide who gets to participate in international sporting tournaments.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henley |first=Jon |date=2023-02-12 |title=Olympics head rejects Zelenskiy call to ban Russian athletes from Paris Games |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/12/olympics-head-rejects-zelenskiy-call-to-ban-russian-athletes-from-paris-games |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213094526/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/12/olympics-head-rejects-zelenskiy-call-to-ban-russian-athletes-from-paris-games |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 March 2023, Bach further reiterated his support for reinstating Russian and Belarusian athletes, expressing opposition to political influence on sports and "any suggestion that Russians should be treated as if they have collective guilt".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/bach-ioc-olympics-paris-russia-ukraine-24c481257da7ffa3e1da236f0620db7e|title=IOC's Bach defends Russia stance amid pro-Ukraine protest|date=22 March 2023|website=AP News}}</ref> | Bach has been criticized by German media for his perceived friendliness towards Russia.<ref name="DNieuws">{{cite news |last=Bouwman |first=Bertus |url=https://duitslandnieuws.nl/blog/2014/03/31/zeven-duitse-vrienden-van-poetin-van-siemens-topman-kaeser-tot-helmut-schmidt/ |title=Zeven Duitse vrienden van Poetin: van Siemens-topman Kaeser tot Helmut Schmidt |trans-title=Seven German friends of Putin: From Siemens manager Kaeser to Helmut Schmidt |date=March 31, 2014 |website=Duitslandnieuws }}</ref> He was even seen as instrumental in lifting the ]'s ban on Russian athletes in 2018.<ref name="Mittman">{{Cite news|url=https://www.suedkurier.de/ueberregional/sport/Dopingexperten-sehen-IOC-Boss-Thomas-Bach-als-treibende-Kraft-dass-die-Welt-Antidoping-Agentur-den-Bann-gegen-Russland-aufgehoben-hat;art410965,9897640 |title=Dopingexperten sehen IOC-Boss Thomas Bach als treibende Kraft, dass die Welt-Antidoping-Agentur den Bann gegen Russland aufgehoben hat |trans-title=Doping experts see IOC Boss Thomas Bach as the leader of the effort that made WADA lift the ban on Russia |first=Ralf |last=Mittman |work=Südkurier|access-date=1 April 2023}}</ref> Bach has also expressed support for ] at the 2024 Summer Olympics, despite the ongoing ]. Responding to opposition from several nation states, he said that it should not be up to national governments to decide who gets to participate in international sporting tournaments.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henley |first=Jon |date=2023-02-12 |title=Olympics head rejects Zelenskiy call to ban Russian athletes from Paris Games |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/12/olympics-head-rejects-zelenskiy-call-to-ban-russian-athletes-from-paris-games |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213094526/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/12/olympics-head-rejects-zelenskiy-call-to-ban-russian-athletes-from-paris-games |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 March 2023, Bach further reiterated his support for reinstating Russian and Belarusian athletes, expressing opposition to political influence on sports and "any suggestion that Russians should be treated as if they have collective guilt".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/bach-ioc-olympics-paris-russia-ukraine-24c481257da7ffa3e1da236f0620db7e|title=IOC's Bach defends Russia stance amid pro-Ukraine protest|date=22 March 2023|website=AP News}}</ref> | ||
In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee, which had previously sent independent Russian athletes to the Olympic Games, due to violations of the ] – specifically, for incorporating Ukrainian sporting bodies from annexed Ukrainian territory into the Russian body, and so violating the integrity of the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=2023-10-12 |title= |
In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee, which had previously sent independent Russian athletes to the Olympic Games, due to violations of the ] – specifically, for incorporating Ukrainian sporting bodies from annexed Ukrainian territory into the Russian body, and so violating the integrity of the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=2023-10-12 |title=Russia's Olympic Committee suspended by IOC for violations against Ukraine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/12/russia-olympic-committee-olympic-charter-athletes |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Russia challenged this in the ]; in February 2024 the appeal was declined. This worsened tensions between the IOC and ROC, with Thomas Bach saying in March 2024 that Russia only has itself to blame.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=2024-03-06 |title=IOC president hits out at Russia's 'blatant violation' of Olympic charter |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/mar/06/ioc-president-hits-out-at-russias-violation-of-olympic-charter |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> | ||
===Postponement of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics=== | ====Postponement of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics==== | ||
On 5 March 2020, '']'' reported that Bach had stated "Neither the word 'cancellation' nor the word 'postponement' were even mentioned" regarding the upcoming ] in ], |
On 5 March 2020, '']'' reported that Bach had stated "Neither the word 'cancellation' nor the word 'postponement' were even mentioned" regarding the upcoming ] in ], Japan amidst ] at the IOC's executive board meeting the previous day.<ref name=bl-20200305>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-05/ioc-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-tokyo-olympics |url-access=subscription |title=IOC President Reaffirms Commitment to Tokyo Olympics |last=Zimmerman |first=Max |website=Bloomberg News |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=23 March 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323111317/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-05/ioc-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-tokyo-olympics |archive-date= 23 March 2020 }}</ref> On 22 March, the IOC announced that within four weeks a decision would be made on whether Tokyo 2020 is going to be staged as planned or whether a postponement is necessary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ioc-olympischespiele-101.html|title=Olympische Spiele: Das IOC will in vier Wochen entscheiden|date=March 22, 2020 |website=tagesschau.de|language=de|access-date=22 March 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322192925/https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ioc-olympischespiele-101.html |archive-date= 22 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-52000044 |title=Coronavirus: Olympic doubts grow as Canada withdraws athletes |date=23 March 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/22/americas/canada-no-athletes-tokyo-olympics/index.html |title=Canada and Australia will not send athletes to Tokyo Olympics |first1=Amir |last1=Vera |first2=Jill |last2=Martin |date=23 March 2020 |website=] |access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref> Later that month, the IOC reversed the course and rescheduled the 2020 Games, which held from 23 July to 8 August 2021.<ref name=IOC_2021_Dates>{{cite web |url=https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-ipc-tokyo-2020-organising-committee-and-tokyo-metropolitan-government-announce-new-dates-for-the-olympic-and-paralympic-games-tokyo-2020 |title=IOC, IPC, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Announce New Dates for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 |date=30 March 2020 |website=olympic.org |access-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330121555/https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-ipc-tokyo-2020-organising-committee-and-tokyo-metropolitan-government-announce-new-dates-for-the-olympic-and-paralympic-games-tokyo-2020 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Meanwhile, Bach was in Tokyo in July 2021 to promote a safe launch of the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, he referred to ] as "Chinese", triggering a backlash on social media.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/olympics-chief-refers-to-people-of-japan-as-chinese |date=13 July 2021 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |title=Olympics chief mixes up Japanese and Chinese at Tokyo Games presser |work=] |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Bach's visit to ] was opposed by survivor groups, some of which accused Bach of using the historic place politically to "justify holding of the Olympics by force under the pandemic".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/07/7e624b229354-ioc-chief-bach-to-visit-hiroshima-despite-protests.html |date=13 July 2021 |first= |title=IOC chief Bach to visit Hiroshima despite protests |work=] |access-date=6 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 July 2021 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |title=Olympics chief accused of insulting Hiroshima survivors with visit to atomic bombing site |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/15/olympics-chief-accused-of-insulting-hiroshima-survivors-with-visit-to-atomic-bombing-site |work=] |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref> Furthermore, Hiroshima prefectural and municipal governments had to cover some 3.79 million yen (roughly $34,000) in security costs for Bach after the IOC refused to pay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210813/p2a/00m/0sp/047000c |date=14 August 2021 |first= |title=Hiroshima Pref., city to cover Bach visit security fees after organizing committee refuses |work=] |access-date=6 December 2021}}</ref> As '']'' had called Bach "Von Ripper-off", the translated term "{{Nihongo||ぼったくり男爵|Bottakuri danshaku}}" became his nickname, and made the top 10 in 2021's Buzzwords of the Year in Japan.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 May 2021 |author=Sally Jenkins |title=Japan should cut its losses and tell the IOC to take its Olympic pillage somewhere else |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/05/japan-ioc-olympic-contract/ |newspaper=] |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=7 July 2021 |author=Torsten Weber |title=Catchword Bottakuri Danshaku |url=https://www.dijtokyo.org/ja/article/catchword-bottakuri-danshaku/ |work=Deutsches Institut für Japanstudien (DIJ) |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/12/01/national/2021-buzzword-list/ |date=1 December 2021 |first= |title=Buzzwords in Japan 2021: Ohtani and Tokyo Olympics loomed large |work=] |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> | Meanwhile, Bach was in Tokyo in July 2021 to promote a safe launch of the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, he referred to ] as "Chinese", triggering a backlash on social media.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/olympics-chief-refers-to-people-of-japan-as-chinese |date=13 July 2021 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |title=Olympics chief mixes up Japanese and Chinese at Tokyo Games presser |work=] |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Bach's visit to ] was opposed by survivor groups, some of which accused Bach of using the historic place politically to "justify holding of the Olympics by force under the pandemic".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/07/7e624b229354-ioc-chief-bach-to-visit-hiroshima-despite-protests.html |date=13 July 2021 |first= |title=IOC chief Bach to visit Hiroshima despite protests |work=] |access-date=6 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 July 2021 |first=Justin |last=McCurry |title=Olympics chief accused of insulting Hiroshima survivors with visit to atomic bombing site |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/15/olympics-chief-accused-of-insulting-hiroshima-survivors-with-visit-to-atomic-bombing-site |work=] |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref> Furthermore, Hiroshima prefectural and municipal governments had to cover some 3.79 million yen (roughly $34,000) in security costs for Bach after the IOC refused to pay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210813/p2a/00m/0sp/047000c |date=14 August 2021 |first= |title=Hiroshima Pref., city to cover Bach visit security fees after organizing committee refuses |work=] |access-date=6 December 2021}}</ref> As '']'' had called Bach "Von Ripper-off", the translated term "{{Nihongo||ぼったくり男爵|Bottakuri danshaku}}" - "Baron Rip-off" - became his nickname, and made the top 10 in 2021's Buzzwords of the Year in Japan.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 May 2021 |author=Sally Jenkins |title=Japan should cut its losses and tell the IOC to take its Olympic pillage somewhere else |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/05/japan-ioc-olympic-contract/ |newspaper=] |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=7 July 2021 |author=Torsten Weber |title=Catchword Bottakuri Danshaku |url=https://www.dijtokyo.org/ja/article/catchword-bottakuri-danshaku/ |work=Deutsches Institut für Japanstudien (DIJ) |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/12/01/national/2021-buzzword-list/ |date=1 December 2021 |first= |title=Buzzwords in Japan 2021: Ohtani and Tokyo Olympics loomed large |work=] |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> | ||
===Peng Shuai and 2022 Winter Olympics=== | ====Peng Shuai and 2022 Winter Olympics==== | ||
Later in 2021, Chinese tennis star ] was suspected have been ] after she accused ], a top official of the ] (CCP), of sexual assault. Following international outcry, the CCP offered an apparent "proof-of-life" video. Bach served as an interviewer in the video, in which Peng stated that she was safe and well. Zhang and Bach had met and worked together on the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.<ref>{{cite news |last=|first=|date=21 November 2021|title=In video call, Chinese tennis player Peng Shaui says she is safe|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/11/21/chinese-tennis-star-says-she-is-safe-in-video-call|work=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Carpenter|first=Les|date=21 November 2021|title=IOC says President Thomas Bach had video call with missing tennis player Peng Shuai|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/11/21/peng-shuai-thomas-bach/|newspaper=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gan|first=Nectar|date=21 November 2021|title=Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has finally appeared in public. But here's why the worries aren't going away|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/china/peng-shuai-public-appearance-mic-intl-hnk/index.html|work=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beijing2022.cn/a/20160613/029415.htm|title=Chinese vice premier meets IOC president|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=]|access-date=13 June 2021|quote=|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124133238/https://www.beijing2022.cn/a/20160613/029415.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the interview, Global Athlete, an athlete advocacy group, said the IOC had demonstrated "an abhorrent indifference to sexual violence and the well-being of female athletes".<ref>{{cite news | |
Later in 2021, Chinese tennis star ] was suspected to have been ] after she accused ], a top official of the ] (CCP), of sexual assault. Following international outcry, the CCP offered an apparent "proof-of-life" video. Bach served as an interviewer in the video, in which Peng stated that she was safe and well. Zhang and Bach had met and worked together on the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.<ref>{{cite news |last=|first=|date=21 November 2021|title=In video call, Chinese tennis player Peng Shaui says she is safe|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/11/21/chinese-tennis-star-says-she-is-safe-in-video-call|work=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Carpenter|first=Les|date=21 November 2021|title=IOC says President Thomas Bach had video call with missing tennis player Peng Shuai|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/11/21/peng-shuai-thomas-bach/|newspaper=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gan|first=Nectar|date=21 November 2021|title=Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has finally appeared in public. But here's why the worries aren't going away|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/china/peng-shuai-public-appearance-mic-intl-hnk/index.html|work=]|location= |access-date=22 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beijing2022.cn/a/20160613/029415.htm|title=Chinese vice premier meets IOC president|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=]|access-date=13 June 2021|quote=|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124133238/https://www.beijing2022.cn/a/20160613/029415.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the interview, Global Athlete, an athlete advocacy group, said the IOC had demonstrated "an abhorrent indifference to sexual violence and the well-being of female athletes".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sorkin |first1=Andrew Ross |author-link=Andrew Ross Sorkin |last2=Karaian |first2=Jason |last3=Kessler |first3=Sarah |last4=Gandel |first4=Stephen |last5=de la Merced |first5=Michael J. |last6=Hirsch |first6=Lauren |last7=Livni |first7=Ephrat |date=23 November 2021 |title=Will Olympics Sponsors Face Blowback Over Peng Shuai? |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/23/business/dealbook/olympics-peng-shuai.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-03-30}}</ref> Peng attended several events at the 2022 Winter Olympics and had a meeting with Bach and other IOC officials, where she announced her intention to travel to Europe after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.<ref name=yahoo-20220207>{{cite news |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ioc-meets-with-chinese-tennis-star-peng-shuai-but-more-questions-remain-023025712.html |title=Peng Shuai, IOC downplay concerns about tennis player's disappearance after meeting in Beijing |last=Busbee |first=Jay |website=yahoo! sports |date=7 February 2022 |access-date=18 February 2022}}</ref> | ||
===Israel at the 2024 Summer Olympics=== | ====Israel at the 2024 Summer Olympics==== | ||
{{ |
{{See also|Concerns and controversies at the 2024 Summer Olympics|Boycotts of Israel in sports}} | ||
] in Tel Aviv, Israel, 21 September 2022,]] | |||
The participation of Israel at the ] prompted calls from left-wing French lawmakers,<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Raul Daffunchio |last1=Picazo |date=24 February 2024 |title=French lawmakers call on Olympic committee to sanction Israel |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1143908/french-lawmaker-call-ioc-sanction-israel |website=insidethegames.biz}}</ref> Palestinian,<ref>{{cite web |date=18 January 2024 |title=More than 300 Palestinian sports clubs call for Israel Olympic Games ban |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/18/israels-war-on-gaza-live-medicine-arrives-for-captives-palestinians?update=2629791 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> and other global sports organizations for ] and to prevent its participation due to the impact of the ] on Palestinian athletes and sports facilities,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zirin |first1=Dave |date=10 January 2024 |title=Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes? |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/ |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The case for sports sanctions against Israel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/18/the-case-for-sports-sanctions-against-israel |work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2024 |last1=Zidan |first1=Karim }}</ref> but Bach confirmed this was never an issue for the IOC and cautioned athletes against ] and discrimination.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |
The participation of Israel at the ] prompted calls from left-wing French lawmakers,<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Raul Daffunchio |last1=Picazo |date=24 February 2024 |title=French lawmakers call on Olympic committee to sanction Israel |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1143908/french-lawmaker-call-ioc-sanction-israel |website=insidethegames.biz}}</ref> Palestinian,<ref>{{cite web |date=18 January 2024 |title=More than 300 Palestinian sports clubs call for Israel Olympic Games ban |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/18/israels-war-on-gaza-live-medicine-arrives-for-captives-palestinians?update=2629791 |website=Al Jazeera |first1=Ali |last1=Harb |first2=Brian |last2=Osgood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417022725/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/18/israels-war-on-gaza-live-medicine-arrives-for-captives-palestinians?update=2629791 |archive-date= Apr 17, 2024 }}</ref> and other global sports organizations for ] and to prevent its participation due to the impact of the ] on Palestinian athletes and sports facilities,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zirin |first1=Dave |date=10 January 2024 |title=Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes? |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/ |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110145155/https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/ |archive-date= 10 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The case for sports sanctions against Israel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/18/the-case-for-sports-sanctions-against-israel |work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2024 |last1=Zidan |first1=Karim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518152154/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/18/the-case-for-sports-sanctions-against-israel |archive-date= May 18, 2024 }}</ref> but Bach confirmed this was never an issue for the IOC and cautioned athletes against ] and discrimination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel's Olympic status not in question says IOC president Bach amid frustration with Russia|url=https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-ioc-bach-israel-russia-8b6005213cb0e680bf533c0454ece216 |first1= Graham |last1=Dunbar |date=March 6, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=AP|language=en}}</ref> In November 2023, Russia accused the IOC of having double standards by not sanctioning Israel due to its military actions in Gaza and ], as Palestine is also an ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stynes |first=Trevor |date=6 November 2023 |editor-last=Radnedge |editor-first=Christian |title=CAS registers Russian appeal against Olympic membership suspension |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/cas-registers-russian-appeal-against-olympic-membership-suspension-2023-11-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113001630/https://www.reuters.com/sports/cas-registers-russian-appeal-against-olympic-membership-suspension-2023-11-06/ |archive-date=13 November 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Mann, Brian |date=8 November 2023 |title=Russia says International Olympic Committee is giving Israel a pass on Gaza |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/11/08/1211483883/olympics-russia-israel-gaza-sanctions-ioc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230083355/https://www.npr.org/2023/11/08/1211483883/olympics-russia-israel-gaza-sanctions-ioc |archive-date=30 December 2023 |newspaper=]}}</ref> | ||
===Olga Kharlan incident and 2024 Summer Olympics=== | ====Olga Kharlan incident and 2024 Summer Olympics==== | ||
] in Kyiv, Ukraine, 3 July 2022]] | ] in Kyiv, Ukraine, 3 July 2022]] | ||
Since 1 July 2020 (and reconfirmed by ] public notice in September 2020 and in January 2021), by public written notice the FIE had replaced its previous handshake requirement with a "salute" by the opposing fencers, and written in its public notice that handshakes were "suspended until further notice."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/1093278-handshaking-rule-suspended-at-usa-fencing-events|title=Handshaking Rule Suspended at USA Fencing Events|first=Nicole|last=Jomantas|date=6 March 2020|website=USA Fencing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fencing.org.nz/news/162-covid-19-update-oceania-u20s-and-handshaking-rule|title= Oceania U20s and Handshaking Rule |publisher=Fencing New Zealand|first=Amanda|last=Hopkins|date=12 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishfencing.com/handshaking-rule-temporarily-suspended/|title=Handshaking Rule Temporarily Suspended|date=5 March 2020|website=British Fencing}}</ref><ref> FIE, 1 July 2020 and September 2020.</ref><ref> FIE, January 2021.</ref> Nevertheless, in July 2023 when Ukrainian four-time world fencing individual ] champion ] was disqualified at the ]s by the ] for not shaking the hand of her defeated Russian opponent, though Kharlan instead offered a tapping of blades in acknowledgement, Bach stepped in the next day.<ref name="auto1a">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/fencing/66322668|title=World Fencing Championships: Ukraine's Olga Kharlan disqualified for refusing Russian Anna Smirnov's handshake|work=BBC|date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto3a">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/fencing-ukraine-russia-handshake-world-championship-b2383066.html|title=Ukrainian fencer disqualified from world championships for refusing handshake with Russian opponent; Olga Kharlan offered to touch blades after beating Anna Smirnova, who then staged a sit-down protest at the handshake refusal |date=27 July 2023|website=The Independent|author=Aadi Nair}}</ref> As President of the IOC, he sent a letter to Kharlan in which he expressed empathy for her, and wrote that in light of the situation she was being guaranteed a spot in the ].<ref name="auto10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2023/07/28/ukrainian-fencer-wont-shake-hands-with-russian-promised-olympic-spot/70488240007/|title=Ukrainian fencer won't shake hands with Russian at world championships, gets Olympic spot|website=USA TODAY}}</ref><ref name="7413289Kharlan">{{cite web |title=Ukrainian fencer gets automatically qualified for Olympics|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/28/7413289/|date=28 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023| |
Since 1 July 2020 (and reconfirmed by ] public notice in September 2020 and in January 2021), by public written notice the FIE had replaced its previous handshake requirement with a "salute" by the opposing fencers, and written in its public notice that handshakes were "suspended until further notice."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/1093278-handshaking-rule-suspended-at-usa-fencing-events|title=Handshaking Rule Suspended at USA Fencing Events|first=Nicole|last=Jomantas|date=6 March 2020|website=USA Fencing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fencing.org.nz/news/162-covid-19-update-oceania-u20s-and-handshaking-rule|title= Oceania U20s and Handshaking Rule |publisher=Fencing New Zealand|first=Amanda|last=Hopkins|date=12 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishfencing.com/handshaking-rule-temporarily-suspended/|title=Handshaking Rule Temporarily Suspended|date=5 March 2020|website=British Fencing}}</ref><ref> FIE, 1 July 2020 and September 2020.</ref><ref> FIE, January 2021.</ref> Nevertheless, in July 2023 when Ukrainian four-time world fencing individual ] champion ] was disqualified at the ]s by the ] for not shaking the hand of her defeated Russian opponent, though Kharlan instead offered a tapping of blades in acknowledgement, Bach stepped in the next day.<ref name="auto1a">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/fencing/66322668|title=World Fencing Championships: Ukraine's Olga Kharlan disqualified for refusing Russian Anna Smirnov's handshake|work=BBC|date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto3a">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/fencing-ukraine-russia-handshake-world-championship-b2383066.html|title=Ukrainian fencer disqualified from world championships for refusing handshake with Russian opponent; Olga Kharlan offered to touch blades after beating Anna Smirnova, who then staged a sit-down protest at the handshake refusal |date=27 July 2023|website=The Independent|author=Aadi Nair}}</ref> As President of the IOC, he sent a letter to Kharlan in which he expressed empathy for her, and wrote that in light of the situation she was being guaranteed a spot in the ].<ref name="auto10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2023/07/28/ukrainian-fencer-wont-shake-hands-with-russian-promised-olympic-spot/70488240007/|title=Ukrainian fencer won't shake hands with Russian at world championships, gets Olympic spot|website=USA TODAY}}</ref><ref name="7413289Kharlan">{{cite web |title=Ukrainian fencer gets automatically qualified for Olympics|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/28/7413289/|date=28 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023|language=English|author=Yevhen Kizilov |website=]}}<br>{{cite web |title=Russia-Ukraine conflict: Fencer Olga Kharlan ban lifted as she is handed Olympic spot|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/fencing/66339461|date=28 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023|language=English|website=]}}</ref> He wrote further: "as a fellow fencer, it is impossible for me to imagine how you feel at this moment. The war against your country, the suffering of the people in Ukraine, the uncertainty around your participation at the Fencing World Championships ... and then the events which unfolded yesterday - all this is a roller coaster of emotions and feelings. It is admirable how you are managing this incredibly difficult situation, and I would like to express my full support to you. Rest assured that the IOC will continue to stand in full solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Olympic community of Ukraine."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1139327/kharlan-2024-place|title=Ukraine's Kharlan assured of Paris 2024 place by IOC after handshake furore|date=28 July 2023|website=Inside the Games}}</ref> | ||
===Other issues=== | ====Other issues==== | ||
Bach was |
Bach was criticized by journalist ] in '']'' for comparing the IOC positively to ] with regard to corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/05/fifa-bad-olympics-gold-medal-sleaze|title=Fifa is awful but the Olympics take the gold medal for sleaze|first=Marina|last=Hyde|work=The Guardian|date=5 August 2016|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Also in ''The Guardian'', Owen Gibson accused Bach of hypocrisy for agreeing to be involved with the ] hosted in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/26/silence-european-games-azerbaijan-grim-future|title=Silence over European Games in Azerbaijan is a grim indication of future|first=Owen|last=Gibson|work=] |date=26 June 2015|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Twenty-nine journalists signed an open letter to Bach calling for him to condemn ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pen.org/open-letter-to-thomas-bach-international-olympic-committee-president-on-khadija-ismayilovas-imprisonment/|title=Open Letter to Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee President, on Khadija Ismayilova's Imprisonment|publisher=Pen America|date=15 April 2015|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> | ||
In 2017, Bach faced a backlash for his decision to rename ] as artistic swimming. The name change spurred a petition signed by over 11,000 people from 88 countries with one |
In 2017, Bach faced a backlash for his decision to rename ] as artistic swimming. The name change spurred a petition signed by over 11,000 people from 88 countries, with one signer declaring "'Artistic Swimming' sounds like something society ladies did with their bosom friends at garden parties or after tea in the early 20th century."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/08/tokyo-olympics-synchronized-swimming-artistic-name-change/619693/|title=Where Did 'Synchronized Swimming' Go?|date=7 August 2021 |publisher=theatlantic.com|access-date=26 August 2022}}</ref> | ||
== |
==Honors== | ||
===State |
===State honors=== | ||
* {{flag|Greece}}: | * {{flag|Greece}}: | ||
** ] Grand Cross of the ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/tag/grand-cross-of-the-order-of-the-phoenix/|title = Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix Archives - Greek City Times}}</ref> | ** ] Grand Cross of the ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/tag/grand-cross-of-the-order-of-the-phoenix/|title = Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix Archives - Greek City Times}}</ref> | ||
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===Honorary doctorates=== | ===Honorary doctorates=== | ||
* {{flag|Spain}}: ] from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucam.edu/universidad/doctores-honoris-causa/thomas-bach|title=Thomas Bach|publisher=UCAM|year=2015|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> | * {{flag|Spain}}: ] from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucam.edu/universidad/doctores-honoris-causa/thomas-bach|title=Thomas Bach|publisher=UCAM|year=2015|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> | ||
* {{flag|Japan}}: Honorary Doctorate from the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2016/10/439598.html |title=IOC chief Bach receives honorary doctorate |
* {{flag|Japan}}: Honorary Doctorate from the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2016/10/439598.html |title=IOC chief Bach receives honorary doctorate |website=Kyodo News |access-date=1 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101102906/https://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2016/10/439598.html |archive-date= 1 November 2016 }}</ref> | ||
===Awards=== | ===Awards=== | ||
* ] from the Republic of Korea<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-president-bach-to-receive-seoul-peace-prize |title=IOC President Bach to receive Seoul Peace Prize |
* ] from the Republic of Korea<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-president-bach-to-receive-seoul-peace-prize |title=IOC President Bach to receive Seoul Peace Prize |website= Olympic News |date=24 September 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925082212/https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-president-bach-to-receive-seoul-peace-prize |archive-date= Sep 25, 2020 }}</ref> | ||
==Notes and references== | ==Notes and references== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category}} | {{Commons category}} | ||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825125506/http://www.tas-cas.org/icas-members |title=ICAS members}} | * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825125506/http://www.tas-cas.org/icas-members |title=ICAS members}} | ||
* {{ |
* {{Olympics.com profile|thomas-bach}} | ||
* {{Olympedia|22240}} | * {{Olympedia|22240}} | ||
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] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 18:07, 20 December 2024
President of the International Olympic Committee since 2013 (born 1953) For the American jurist and politician, see Thomas C. Bach. For the locomotive with this name, see Llanberis Lake Railway.
His ExcellencyThomas BachOLY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bach in 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
9th President of the International Olympic Committee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incumbent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed office 10 September 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Jacques Rogge | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born | (1953-12-29) 29 December 1953 (age 70) Würzburg, Bavaria, West Germany | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Alma mater | University of Würzburg (Dr. iur. utr.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Profession | Lawyer | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Signature | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 171 cm (5 ft 7 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 65 kg (143 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | Fencing | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Club | Fencing-Club Tauberbischofsheim | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thomas Bach (born 29 December 1953) is a German lawyer, former foil fencer, and Olympic gold medalist. He has served as the ninth president of the International Olympic Committee since 2013, the first ever Olympic champion to be elected to that position. Bach is also a former German individual foil champion as well as a team world champion, and former member of the German Olympic Sports Confederation's executive board.
Early life and education
Thomas Bach was born in Würzburg. He grew up in Tauberbischofsheim, where he lived with his parents until 1977. Bach earned a doctor of law (Dr. iur. utr.) degree in 1983 at the University of Würzburg. In addition to his native German, he speaks fluent French, English and Spanish.
Fencing career
Bach is a former foil fencer, who competed for West Germany. In 1971, at 17 years of age, he won the German national junior foil championship, and a bronze medal at the Junior World Fencing Championships in Chicago, Illinois.
At the World Fencing Championships he also won a team silver medal in 1973 in Gothenburg, Sweden, a team gold medal in 1977 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a team bronze medal in 1979 in Melbourne, Australia. Bach completed his last competitive international match on 26 October 1980 in Shanghai.
He won a foil team gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. On 11 November 2017, Bach was formally granted the use of the post-nominal letters "OLY".
Nationally, Bach won the 1977 and 1978 German Individual Foil Championships. He also won the 1978 European Cup of Champions of foil teams.
DOSB Presidency
Bach served as the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), prior to becoming President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In order to run for IOC Presidency, he resigned as the head of the DOSB on 16 September 2013, having served in that position since 2006. He was replaced by Alfons Hörmann, and remained a member of the DOSB Executive Board. Additionally, he resigned as the head of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Bach would, however, continue serving as the head of Michael Weinig AG Company, a company in the industrial woodworking machinery industry that has its headquarters in Bach's hometown of Tauberbischofsheim.
In 2012, Bach headed Munich's bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics. In the host city election, Munich secured 25 votes as South Korea's Pyeongchang was elected as host city with 63 votes.
IOC Presidency
On 9 May 2013, Bach confirmed that he would run for President of the International Olympic Committee.
2013 IOC presidential election
Bach was elected to an eight-year term as IOC President at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires on 10 September 2013. He secured 49 votes in the final round of voting, giving him the majority needed to be elected. He succeeded Jacques Rogge, who had served as IOC President from 2001 to 2013. Bach would be eligible to run for a second four-year term at the 134th IOC Session in 2019 until 2025.
Bach's successful election came against five other candidates: Sergey Bubka, Richard Carrión, Ng Ser Miang, Denis Oswald and Wu Ching-Kuo. The result of the election was as follows:
Election of the 9th IOC President | ||
---|---|---|
Candidate | Round 1 | Round 2 |
Thomas Bach | 43 | 49 |
Sergey Bubka | 8 | 4 |
Richard Carrión | 23 | 29 |
Ng Ser Miang | 6 | 6 |
Denis Oswald | 7 | 5 |
Wu Ching-kuo | 6 | — |
Bach officially moved into the IOC presidential office at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 17 September 2013, a week after being elected president.
At a meeting of the 137th session of the International Olympic Committee on 10 March 2021, Bach was re-elected to an additional four-year term as president. Bach, 67, was re-elected by a 93–1 vote from 94 valid votes during the session which was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is Bach's final term as IOC president, as the organization's rules limit the president's term to eight years with one renewal of four years. On 10 August 2024, Bach announced that he intends to step down as IOC president when his term ends in 2025 despite being asked to stay on.
Olympic Agenda 2020
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2018) |
Following his election as IOC President, Bach indicated his desire to change the Olympic bidding process and make sustainable development a priority. He stated that the current bidding process "asks too much, too early". These forty proposed reforms became known as Olympic Agenda 2020; they were all unanimously approved at the 127th IOC Session in Monaco in 2014.
Olympic host city elections
The first bidding process over which Thomas Bach presided was for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Bids were due in November 2013, and the host city, Beijing, was elected to host the 2022 Winter Olympics at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in July 2015. Lausanne was elected to host the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics during that same session.
During the bidding process for the 2024 Summer Olympics in 2017, President Bach proposed a joint awarding of the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics after several bidders withdrew. The IOC later approved a plan to award the 2024 Olympics to Paris, with Los Angeles securing the right to host the 2028 Olympics. President Bach presided over the electoral procedures at the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru. Both cities were unanimously elected.
Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were elected to host the 2026 Winter Olympics at the 134th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2019.
Reception and challenges
Consultancy contract for Siemens
Thomas Bach came under criticism when it became known in April 2008 that he had a consulting contract with Siemens from the turn of the millennium, which was remunerated with 400,000 Euros in 2008 and provided for additional expenses of 5,000 Euros per day. Bach is said to have organized invitations from the Arab world for the Siemens Group. Siemens supervisory board members criticized that with such high fees, additional daily payment was "absolutely unusual." They also criticized a possible conflict of interest, because Siemens profited from contracts related to sports, and overlaps between his professional activities and his work as a sports official.
President of the Ghorfa
Bach has been criticized for his work as president of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa). Ghorfa legalizes trade documents of companies that want to export to Arab countries. It does so by certifying that the products do not contain parts from Israel. The practice was introduced in the 1970s as part of the Arab League boycott of Israel.
Controversies surrounding Russia
See also: Doping in Russia and Concerns and controversies at the 2024 Summer OlympicsOne of the biggest challenges Bach has been faced with as IOC President is having to deal with Russia's state-sponsored doping scandal. This program did begin prior to his presidency, but nonetheless it has become a pressing issue during his tenure. It had been discovered that Russia tampered with the anti-doping lab at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and that the government had overseen mass doping among the Russian Olympic athletes for many years. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Bach's call to "respect the rules and stay clean" was widely interpreted as a reference to the Russian scandal. Bach was harshly criticized for what many see as turning a blind eye to Russia's state-sponsored Olympic doping effort. Jim Walden, attorney for whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, called Bach's move to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee following the 2018 Winter Olympics, despite the failed drug tests during the Games, "weakness in the face of evil".
There was wide speculation that Vladimir Putin's support was a key factor in Thomas Bach's election as IOC president in September 2013. It was reported that Putin had congratulated Bach by phone only a few minutes after his election.
Bach has been criticized by German media for his perceived friendliness towards Russia. He was even seen as instrumental in lifting the World Anti-Doping Agency's ban on Russian athletes in 2018. Bach has also expressed support for participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics, despite the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. Responding to opposition from several nation states, he said that it should not be up to national governments to decide who gets to participate in international sporting tournaments. On 22 March 2023, Bach further reiterated his support for reinstating Russian and Belarusian athletes, expressing opposition to political influence on sports and "any suggestion that Russians should be treated as if they have collective guilt".
In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee, which had previously sent independent Russian athletes to the Olympic Games, due to violations of the Olympic Charter – specifically, for incorporating Ukrainian sporting bodies from annexed Ukrainian territory into the Russian body, and so violating the integrity of the Ukraine Olympic Committee. Russia challenged this in the Court of Arbitration for Sport; in February 2024 the appeal was declined. This worsened tensions between the IOC and ROC, with Thomas Bach saying in March 2024 that Russia only has itself to blame.
Postponement of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics
On 5 March 2020, Bloomberg News reported that Bach had stated "Neither the word 'cancellation' nor the word 'postponement' were even mentioned" regarding the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan amidst COVID-19 pandemic at the IOC's executive board meeting the previous day. On 22 March, the IOC announced that within four weeks a decision would be made on whether Tokyo 2020 is going to be staged as planned or whether a postponement is necessary. Later that month, the IOC reversed the course and rescheduled the 2020 Games, which held from 23 July to 8 August 2021.
Meanwhile, Bach was in Tokyo in July 2021 to promote a safe launch of the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, he referred to Japanese people as "Chinese", triggering a backlash on social media. Bach's visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was opposed by survivor groups, some of which accused Bach of using the historic place politically to "justify holding of the Olympics by force under the pandemic". Furthermore, Hiroshima prefectural and municipal governments had to cover some 3.79 million yen (roughly $34,000) in security costs for Bach after the IOC refused to pay. As The Washington Post had called Bach "Von Ripper-off", the translated term "Bottakuri danshaku (ぼったくり男爵)" - "Baron Rip-off" - became his nickname, and made the top 10 in 2021's Buzzwords of the Year in Japan.
Peng Shuai and 2022 Winter Olympics
Later in 2021, Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai was suspected to have been forcibly disappeared after she accused Zhang Gaoli, a top official of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), of sexual assault. Following international outcry, the CCP offered an apparent "proof-of-life" video. Bach served as an interviewer in the video, in which Peng stated that she was safe and well. Zhang and Bach had met and worked together on the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. After the interview, Global Athlete, an athlete advocacy group, said the IOC had demonstrated "an abhorrent indifference to sexual violence and the well-being of female athletes". Peng attended several events at the 2022 Winter Olympics and had a meeting with Bach and other IOC officials, where she announced her intention to travel to Europe after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Israel at the 2024 Summer Olympics
See also: Concerns and controversies at the 2024 Summer Olympics and Boycotts of Israel in sportsThe participation of Israel at the 2024 Summer Olympics prompted calls from left-wing French lawmakers, Palestinian, and other global sports organizations for sanctions against Israel and to prevent its participation due to the impact of the Israel–Hamas war on Palestinian athletes and sports facilities, but Bach confirmed this was never an issue for the IOC and cautioned athletes against boycotts and discrimination. In November 2023, Russia accused the IOC of having double standards by not sanctioning Israel due to its military actions in Gaza and occupation of Palestine, as Palestine is also an IOC member.
Olga Kharlan incident and 2024 Summer Olympics
Since 1 July 2020 (and reconfirmed by FIE public notice in September 2020 and in January 2021), by public written notice the FIE had replaced its previous handshake requirement with a "salute" by the opposing fencers, and written in its public notice that handshakes were "suspended until further notice." Nevertheless, in July 2023 when Ukrainian four-time world fencing individual sabre champion Olga Kharlan was disqualified at the World Fencing Championships by the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime for not shaking the hand of her defeated Russian opponent, though Kharlan instead offered a tapping of blades in acknowledgement, Bach stepped in the next day. As President of the IOC, he sent a letter to Kharlan in which he expressed empathy for her, and wrote that in light of the situation she was being guaranteed a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He wrote further: "as a fellow fencer, it is impossible for me to imagine how you feel at this moment. The war against your country, the suffering of the people in Ukraine, the uncertainty around your participation at the Fencing World Championships ... and then the events which unfolded yesterday - all this is a roller coaster of emotions and feelings. It is admirable how you are managing this incredibly difficult situation, and I would like to express my full support to you. Rest assured that the IOC will continue to stand in full solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Olympic community of Ukraine."
Other issues
Bach was criticized by journalist Marina Hyde in The Guardian for comparing the IOC positively to FIFA with regard to corruption. Also in The Guardian, Owen Gibson accused Bach of hypocrisy for agreeing to be involved with the 2015 European Games hosted in Azerbaijan. Twenty-nine journalists signed an open letter to Bach calling for him to condemn Azerbaijan's jailing of dissenters and attacks on freedom of expression.
In 2017, Bach faced a backlash for his decision to rename synchronized swimming as artistic swimming. The name change spurred a petition signed by over 11,000 people from 88 countries, with one signer declaring "'Artistic Swimming' sounds like something society ladies did with their bosom friends at garden parties or after tea in the early 20th century."
Honors
State honors
- Greece:
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix
- Poland:
- 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- Russia:
- South Korea:
- Blue Dragon (Cheongnyong) of the Order of Sports Merit
- Tunisia:
- Grand Cordon of the National Order of Merit (2016)
- Ukraine:
- 5th Class of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
- 4th Class of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
Honorary doctorates
- Spain: Doctorate honoris causa from the Universidad Católica de Murcia.
- Japan: Honorary Doctorate from the University of Tsukuba.
Awards
- Seoul Peace Prize from the Republic of Korea
Notes and references
- "WOA Leadership". World Olympians Association. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Thomas Bach". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- "Mr Thomas BACH – Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund, IOC Member since 1991". Olympic.org. 29 December 1953. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- "Vita Thomas Bach : Olympiasieger im Fechten, DOSB-Präsident" (PDF). Dosb.de. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- "Rechtsanwalt Dr. iur. utr. Peter Zimmermann – About me – Dr. iur. utr". Zimm-recht.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- "Lord of the Rings: new IOC chief Thomas Bach | Sports | DW.COM | 10 September 2013". Dw.de. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ^ "One for all and all for one: Thomas Bach reflects on a golden moment at Montreal 1976"
- "The Biographies o f all IOC Members"
- ^ "Thomas Bach," Olympics.com.
- Fechten – Weltmeisterschaften (Herren – Florett). sport-komplett.de
- 袁虹衡; 李远飞 (10 October 2018). "奥运冠军吴静钰和国际奥委会主席巴赫及夫人 在青奥会上"家人团聚"" (in Chinese). 京报体育. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
最终侯琨发现了这本详细记录当年巴赫主席作为前西德运动员,随击剑队来华访问的中文资料,并与巴赫主席确认,他最后一场比赛的时间为1980年10月26日,地点在上海
- "Athletes guilty of doping or bringing sport into disrepute will be barred from "OLY" lettering, WOA reveal". www.insidethegames.biz. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
- Mackay, Duncan (15 September 2013). "Exclusive: Bach to officially resign tomorrow from DOSB after being elected IOC President". Insidethegames.biz. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- "Exclusive: Quality of the 2020 Olympic bidders has put the IOC in a very comfortable position, reveals Bach". 5 February 2012.
- (in French) Laurent Favre and Servan Peca, "Le CIO fait sa mue", Le Temps, Wednesday 15 April 2015, page 9.
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External links
- ICAS members at the Wayback Machine (archived 2009-08-25)
- Thomas Bach at Olympics.com
- Thomas Bach at Olympedia (archive)
Sporting positions | ||
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Preceded byManfred von Richthofen (Olympic official)as President of the Deutscher Sportbund | President of the Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund 2006–2013 |
Succeeded byAlfons Hörmann |
Preceded byKlaus Steinbachas President of the Nationales Olympisches Komitee für Deutschland | ||
Preceded byJacques Rogge | President of the International Olympic Committee 2013–present |
Incumbent |
Presidents of the International Olympic Committee | |
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Doping in Russia | |
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Russia at Olympics | |
Investigations | |
Organisations | |
Involved people | |
Related articles |
- 1953 births
- Commanders Crosses of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Doping in Russia
- Fencers at the 1976 Summer Olympics
- German male fencers
- German International Olympic Committee members
- Living people
- Medalists at the 1976 Summer Olympics
- Olympic fencers for West Germany
- Olympic gold medalists for West Germany
- Olympic medalists in fencing
- People from Tauberbischofsheim
- Presidents of the International Olympic Committee
- Recipients of the Order of Honour (Russia)
- Recipients of the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg
- Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 4th class
- Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th class
- Sportspeople from Stuttgart (region)
- University of Würzburg alumni
- Free Democratic Party (Germany) politicians
- 20th-century German sportsmen