Olympic Movement Congratulates Bach on IOC Presidential Victory

The new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach has received messages of congratulations from numerous high profile members of the Olympic movement.

The President of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, Dmitry Chernyshenko has congratulated Bach and said he is looking forward to working closely with him ahead of the Games next year.

Sochi 2014 begins on February 7 and marks the first Olympic event that new IOC President Bach will work on.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Chernyshenko said: “I want to offer my congratulations to Thomas Bach for being elected the President of the IOC. I am confident he will make an exceptional President and bring a special set of skills to the role.

“I am also looking forward to working with him closely as we approach the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.”

Seb Coe offers his support

British Olympic Association (BOA) Chairman Seb Coe also lent his congratulations and described Bach as the “perfect choice.”

“Thomas Bach’s election is a perfect choice for the Movement, for athletes and for sport,” said Coe. “He will be standing on the shoulders of past Olympic giants and following in the footsteps of another President with athletes at heart.

“The IOC and the wider Movement can be confident that in moving forward they have a new IOC President who sees the Games through the eyes of competitors.”

(Departing President Jacque Rogge announces Bach as his replacement)

Rio 2016 President looking forward to close relationship

The next summer Olympic Games take place in Rio in 2016 and their President Carlos Nuzman added: “Rio 2016 warmly congratulates Thomas Bach on his election to President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aries today.

“We look forward to benefitting from his leadership, guidance and wealth of experience as we continue to work in very close partnership with the IOC on our journey towards hosting the first Games in South America, in three years´ time.”

WOA support Bach

The World Olympians Association (WOA) were also proud that a former Olympian would head the IOC. Bach struck gold as a fencer in the team foil event at the Montreal 1976 Olympics.

WOA President Joël Bouzou, said: “On behalf of Olympians across the globe I would like to offer my warmest congratulations toThomas Bach on his election as the new IOC President.

“Thomas brings fantastic experience to the Presidency and we are very proud that an Olympian has once again been elected to the highest office in the Olympic Movement.”

Bach was elected as Jacque Rogge’s predecessor on Tuesday, September 10, winning in the second round of voting at the 125^th IOC Session in Buenos Aires.