Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, is not closing the door on Madrid’s Olympic dream

The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), the German Thomas Bachis currently in Madrid with his colleague and friend Alejandro Blancopresident of Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and on the occasion of the celebration of the annual gala of the Spanish Olympic movement, offered a meeting to a small group of media in a hotel in the capital, which could include Mundo Deportivo.

In his welcome speech, Thomas Bach He praised the level of Spain’s sport at the previous Olympic Games and its undeniable evolution in recent times. Especially in team sports where, according to the German manager, “even if the medal table shows only one medal, it’s a job to be proud of.”

Also, Thomas Bach analyzed what the last Olympic Games in Paris were like and the great global audience data they had. “They were a tremendous success.” According to Bach’s data, 84% of the planet’s potential audience, more than 5 billion people.

The candidacy of Madrid and Samaranch Jr.

Also, the president of the IOC did not shy away from the topics presented to him and examined one that, obviously, is of great interest to Spain: the possible candidacy of Madrid in the Olympic Games. The German manager did not see this as something impossible and, in fact, pointed out that the city is in a “great moment” and that “it is a great capital” to present itself. However, he explained that the candidacy process has changed. “Now there are cities that want the Games and a dialogue is established with them to see which one is suitable. And with those that are not chosen, the talks will continue to be held, maybe for four years. “

Bach also analyzed the various conflicts that he had to face throughout his mandate, which, as he mentioned in Paris, will not go beyond 2025 and that, precisely for this reason, he faces a dilemma on the issue of boxing and its presence in Los Angeles 2028. “This is my big problem right now. I don’t know if I should deal with this issue or leave it to my replacement,” he began by pointing.

“We are proud that a boxer won the first medal for the refugee team. But they need a new federation that follows the Olympic ethics,” said Bach, hoping that “boxing will be in the next Game.”

Finally, he was also asked about the candidacy and possible election of Juan Antonio Samaranch for the presidency of the IOC whose election will take place in 2025. Thomas Bach, very diplomatic, appreciated the work of the Spanish director but assured that “he cannot take sides with anyone.”