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President of the International Olympic Committee for over a decade, former Olympic gold medallist-turned-lawyer Thomas Bach led the IOC through a decade of reform, unprecedented challenges and transformation, promoting sustainability, integrity and the power of sport to unite. Drawing on his experiences as athlete and leader, he reflects on global leadership, building a world-class team, diplomacy and the enduring values of the Olympic Movement.
Thomas Bach served as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for over a decade. In his time in one of the sporting world’s most prestigious but high-pressures roles he tackled the delecate balance of sport and politics, as well as cultural and logistic challenges no other President had to face. Praised for his diplomatic approach and understanding of the global sports movement, he led the IOC through a period of significant transformation and disruption, from modernising the Olympic Games to advancing sustainability, gender equality and digital engagement, to challenges around Covid and Russian participation.
A former Olympic fencer for West Germany, Thomas won gold in the team foil event at the 1976 Montreal Games and later became a world champion. After retiring from competition, he pursued a legal career and emerged as an influential advocate for athletes’ rights and governance in sport. His combination of athletic achievement and legal expertise shaped his rise within sports administration, where he has been a leading voice for integrity, inclusion and the unifying power of sport.
Before becoming IOC President, Thomas served in multiple leadership roles within the Olympic Movement, including Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and Vice President of the IOC. Under his Presidency he launched Olympic Agenda 2020 and Agenda 202+5, strategic roadmaps to make the Games more sustainable, cost-efficient and accessible. These initiatives have focused on strengthening the role of sport in society, protecting clean competition, and enhancing the Games’ legacy for host cities and athletes alike.
Thomas has overseen landmark editions of the Olympic Games, including Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, navigating complex global challenges, such as the Covid pandemic, with diplomacy and resilience. His leadership has been defined by efforts to promote peace through sport, further collaboration with international organisations, and defend the autonomy of the Olympic Movement amid political and commercial pressures.
In addition to his IOC responsibilities, Thomas is a vocal advocate for the values of education, tolerance, inclusion and fair play. Drawing on his perspective as both athlete and leading administrator, he provides a compelling account of leadership under pressure, team dynamics, the ethics of competition, and the role of sport as a bridge between nations.
