Talk to Al Jazeera

Thomas Bach: The IOC president

President of the International Olympic Committee explains the challenges a new generation of athletes face.

He may have a name and face unknown to many outside of the olympic movement, but Thomas Bach is in possession of one of the most powerful jobs in world sport.

Bach is the first IOC president to be a former Olympic gold medalist, winning the team foil fencing title at the 1976 Montreal games. His skills as a lawyer and experience as an athlete helped him excel in various roles within the IOC and is an advocate for fellow athletes. 

In a speech made by Bach in September 2013, he says, “I know about the great responsibility of an IOC president, this makes me humble. I want to lead by my motto, unity and diversity. I want to be a president for all.”

Tasked with ensuring the Olympics remain relevant and engage with a new generation of viewers and athletes, Thomas Bach explains how he plans to do this when he Talks to Al Jazeera.