The race to become the most powerful executive in international Sport – the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President – got its unofficial start Thursday when Germany’s Thomas Bach became the first candidate as he launched his campaign with a media splash.
‘Campaign’ and ‘race’ are loosely applied here as the IOC treats its presidential elections uniquely, and under a strict code of ethics that pretty much rules out overt lobbying and any negative comments about rivals. This fact was not lost on Bach as he spoke to the international media.
“This is not about politics,” Bach, the President of the German Olympic Sports Conferderation (DOSB) and IOC Vice President ironically said of what usually becomes a fierce political battle between personalities and agendas.
Bach explained that he will promote his own experience and leadership abilities, and convince other members that he is right for the job.
The first opportunites to convey campaign messages to voting IOC members personally will be at an international sport conference in Saint Petersburg, Russia the last week in May, and then again at a special IOC Session in Lausanne at the beginning of July.
It was no surprise that the Olympic Champion in Fencing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics had his sights at sports most powerful position; his name has been connected with the role since discussion of current IOC President Jacques Rogge’s successor began years ago. The 59-year-old lawyer has until June 10 to officially submit his application to the IOC and the election will be held at an IOC session in Buenos Aires on September 10.
Also widely rumored to enter the race are Singapore’s Ng Ser Miang, Puerto Rico’s Richard Carrion and Ukraine’s Sergei Bubka. Switzerland’s Rene Fasel and Denis Oswald have also expressed interest.
“Yesterday I first informed IOC President Jacques Rogge, then the IOC Members about my intention to submit my candidature for IOC Presidency in June,” Bach said.
“My viewpoints stand under the motto ‘Unity in Diversity’, which describes both the universality and the solidarity of the Olympic Movement.
“It’s about values in the end.”
The DOSB Executive Board with speakers of all member organizations and IOC Honorary Member Walther Tr
