Though an unknown house hold name, Bach nevertheless entered the race with some pedigree. He has served in several capacities, that ranged from; Supervisory board member of the FIFA 2006 World Cup Organizing Committee and chairman of the Board of trustees of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 Organizing Committee. He became a member of the IOC’s Executive board in 1996-2000, vice president 2000-2013.
Jacques Rogge act will be a hard one to match, more so, at a time when athletics is in want of an image clean up following a series of high profile doping scandals in recent years. Added to this challenge are the preparations for the Games in Sochi and Rio which are plagued with stumbling blocks and calls for reforms with regards the way sports are chosen for inclusion.
By. Saidu Kaye Sesay. London, UK
challenge are the preparations for the Games in Sochi and Rio which are plagued with stumbling blocks and calls for reforms with regards the way sports are chosen for inclusion.
While the organizers of Sochi have given the signs that it will be fine, Russia’s stringent gay laws cast a shadow over the events, accentuated by comments made by pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva; an IOC appointed Youths Olympics Ambassador. Outgoing president Rogge even considered stripping Isinbayeva of the ambassadorial title and how Bach will handle this will set a tone for his tenure in office.
While it is expected that Bach will face his task with an aim to offer continuity after twelve, arguably, very successful years of Jacques Rogge’s rule, he has novel ideas too. He has promised to curb the cost of bidding for and staging games, as well as for the first time establishing an Olympic TV network.
It is a tall order, but could be achieved if he sticks to his promise, "I want to lead according to my motto: 'unity in diversity'. This means I will do my very best to balance all the different interests of stakeholders of the Olympic movement."
African Sports Monthly wishes Mr. Bach well…