IOC President Thomas Bach to Resign in June

Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has announced his resignation, effective June 23, 2025, following a 12-year tenure. Despite being eligible to remain until the age of 80, Bach opted to step down, citing an end to his presidency rather than extending his term. A new president will be elected on March 20, with seven candidates in the running, including World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe and Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry. Bach's leadership has been marked by navigating the IOC through the COVID-19 pandemic and various geopolitical challenges, including Russia's doping scandal and the invasion of Ukraine. His reforms, particularly the Olympic Agenda 2020, aimed to modernize the Olympic bidding process and reduce the burden on host cities. Bach's departure marks a significant transition for the IOC, which he led through multiple Olympic Games and transformative changes to the Olympic Movement.