Bach replaces Jacques Rogge as IOC president

Thomas Bach achieved a long-held dream on Tuesday as he was elected to the most powerful position in sport, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in Buenos Aires.

The 59-year-old German -- the first Olympic gold medallist to become president -- won in the second round of voting by his fellow IOC members to beat his five male rivals bidding to succeed Jacques Rogge, who stepped down after 12 years in charge. 

Bach, gold medallist with the West German team in the team foil event in the 1976 Olympics, had been the frontrunner throughout the campaign and had for years been seen as the man most likely to replace Rogge.

‘I know what the enormous responsibilities are of being IOC president but I am very happy,’ he said after the announcement, which saw him break into a broad smile. 

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You my friends and colleagues have placed in me an overwhelming sign of trust. ‘I also have enormous respect for my fellow candidates. I will work with all.’