Samuelsson has long been critical of Thomas Bach's leadership. Among other things, for his, according to Samuelsson, far too friendly attitude towards Russia and Belarus.
In connection with the Olympic Games in Paris, Bach announced that he is quitting when his current term expires in March next year. An IOC president can sit for a maximum of twelve years, which Bach will have done next year. However, several members have previously suggested that this should be changed so that the 70-year-old German can stay on even longer.
Something that made Samuelsson furious:
"12 years have been 12 too many. It's enough with Bach's leadership now", he wrote on X.
Criticism: "Completely absurd"
Fast forward a little over a year and it's clear that it won't be more than twelve years. Samuelsson is relieved.
I think it's a given. I don't know of any other organization or political entity in any other country where you start extending terms of office… It's completely absurd in my world, says Samuelsson.
He adds:
I also think that Thomas Bach has been a poor president for the IOC. I'm looking forward to someone new.
Why do you think he's been a poor president?
I think he's had a far too weak position towards Russia, and now especially regarding the war and previously regarding doping. That he hasn't been able to handle the two issues properly. He seems a bit tone-deaf to active athletes, I think.
Replaced by Coe?
Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Athletics Federation, is seen as the most likely successor. Unlike the IOC, Coe has chosen to completely shut the door to Russians and Belarusians in athletics.
Samuelsson thinks Coe would be a good alternative.
I must admit that I don't know everything about him. But from what I've heard and know, I think he seems like a good candidate. He's done a lot for athletics and has been tough on the Russians. He's been clear on the doping issue earlier.
Seven potential successors are running to replace Thomas Bach as president of the IOC. The election will take place in March next year.
Besides Swedish-British Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (Fis), and favorite Sebastian Coe, the British president of the International Athletics Federation, Faisal bin Al Hussein (Jordan), Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe), David Lappartient (France), Morinari Watanabe (Japan), and Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain) are also running.
The latter's father, who has the same name, presided over the IOC between 1980–2001.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has had ten presidents since 1894. Next year, a new one will be elected to succeed Thomas Bach.
1894–1896: Demetrius Vikeelas, Greece.
1896–1925: Baron Pierre de Coubertin, France (stepped aside 1916–1919 when he fought in World War I).
1916–1919: Baron Godefroy de Blonay, Switzerland.
1925–1942: Henri de Baillet-Latour, Belgium.
1942–1952: Sigfrid Edström, Sweden.
1952–1972: Avery Brundage, USA.
1972–1980: Lord Michael Killanin, Ireland.
1980–2001: Juan Antonio Samaranch, Spain.
2001–2013: Jacques Rogge, Belgium.
2013–2025: Thomas Bach, Germany.
