Bach elected new president of IOC

German will succeed Jacques Rogge as head of Olympic body

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge holds up the name of Thomas Bach  after he was elected the ninth president of the IOC. Photograph: Enrique Marcarian/Reuters
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge holds up the name of Thomas Bach after he was elected the ninth president of the IOC. Photograph: Enrique Marcarian/Reuters

Thomas Bach has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 59-year-old from Germany, a former Olympic fencing champion, won a comprehensive victory over five rivals in the vote in Buenos Aires.

Bach will succeed Jacques Rogge, who steps down after serving the maximum 12 years in the position.

Bach was a firm favourite in a choice of six candidates, and secured victory in the second round of voting.

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He polled 49 of the available 93 votes, beating Puerto Rican Richard Carrion into second place on 29 votes.