Thomas Bach's legacy: IOC chief prepares to step down

History is being rewritten once more in the heart of Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were born. 

The 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has begun, and the world is waiting to see who will take over as the next president of the IOC. But before the Olympic baton is passed, there is a moment of reflection—on a decade of transformation, triumphs, and turmoil under the leadership of Thomas Bach.

As rain drizzled over the ancient ruins, the gathering of delegates marked the end of an era. Thomas Bach, who has led the Olympic movement for the past ten years, took center stage for his final address. 

In a speech brimming with nostalgia and vision, Bach called the session a "sacred pilgrimage"—a chance to honor the Games' past while setting sights on the future.

Bach's tenure was anything but ordinary. He spearheaded the Olympic Agenda 2020 and its successor, Olympic Agenda 2020+5, both of which aimed to modernize and future-proof the Games. 

Under his leadership, the Olympics saw a significant push toward gender equality, technological advancements, and a broader appeal to younger audiences by introducing new sports. But balancing tradition with innovation wasn't always easy.

"Whether it's the Olympic Agenda 2020, whether it's the plus five, whether it's the Olympic artificially intelligent agenda, they're all tricks or puzzles. The whole picture has to fit," Bach told CGTN. "If you focus on gender equality but forget about making sports attractive for young people, you risk being disconnected. It's all about balance."

Despite these efforts, Bach's biggest test came with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tokyo 2020 Games were postponed, then held without spectators—an unprecedented challenge that tested the resilience of the Olympic movement. 

He also faced political tensions, financial constraints, and calls for athlete activism. But through it all, he ensured the Games went on.

"What was more difficult? Organizing the Tokyo Games during a pandemic? Or making sure athletes from all 206 nations get to Paris 2024 without any boycott? Honestly, I don't know," Bach told CGTN.

His impact is undeniable. Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, credited Bach for keeping the Olympic movement united when it could have quickly unraveled.

Now, the world waits. As the Olympic flame continues to burn, the question remains—who will carry the torch next? One thing is certain: Bach's legacy is set in stone, just like the ruins of Olympia, where this new chapter begins.