Less than a month before the election as IOC president, the German Thomas Bach is still the favorite to succeed Jacques Rogge. From Moscow, he answered questions from FrancsJeux.
FrancsJeux : A first question about France. Are you one of those who think that the French sports movement must strengthen its position on the international scene?
Thomas Bach: France is a very important partner of the Olympic movement, both because of the sporting traditions and the performances of athletes and teams, as well as the organization of major events. It is very difficult to give advice on how to improve its positioning, but I think France just needs to follow its path in international sport. It must become even more involved in the organization of major events and in the Olympic movement.
The issue of excluding wrestling from the Olympic Games program has created a lot of buzz and discussion in the sports community. Do you think the entire Olympic program selection process should be changed because of what happened with wrestling?
I want to separate the question of reform and the specific case of struggle. Threatening this exclusionary sport was a strong message sent to its leaders, regarding the place of female athletes, international development, and the simplification of the rules. I think the International Wrestling Federation heard the message and implemented real reform. For the more general question of the Games program, a balance must be maintained between tradition and progress. We must look to the future, think more in terms of disciplines than sports.
The current President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, innovated by opening the Olympic world to new territories. You who are running for succession, are you more of an adventurer or a conservative?
I think it depends on the subject. When you run for the IOC presidency, you have to understand the responsibilities that the position entails and accept them. The world is changing, the IOC must follow this evolution. Take the Youth Olympic Games as an example; I am convinced that this event will experience growing success in the future. We need to look at how we can be more innovative, in particular by creating more sports forums, promoting physical activities. It’s not just about getting young people interested in sport and “consuming” it. We need to use the internet and television to encourage young people to play sports.
What is your opinion on the issue of women's participation in the Olympic movement, and in particular quotas for women in certain organizations?
We must promote the presence of women in major sporting organizations and encourage them, but I do not believe in the rule of quotas. If you start using quotas, you may not always have the best people. And the goal is to have the best leaders. In my experience, you need to talk with women, you need to encourage them personally. You can do a lot of programs, but above all you have to trust them, you have to give them confidence. And then you will see the results.
