“Thomas Bach’s election is a tribute both to the work he has done and to our country. I congratulate Thomas Bach and am delighted that he has been elected President today of the International Olympic Committee. This is the first time a German national has held this very prominent post. The election of Thomas Bach testifies to the high esteem he has earned for his sporting achievements as well as his untiring decades-long commitment to the Olympic idea. It is also a great honour for our country. I am grateful to Thomas Bach for his services to Germany and wish him in his new and important post all the best and every success.”