IOC president Rogge thanks all as he steps down

Jacques Rogge laid down the office he held as the eighth Interntional Olympic Committee president here with an emotional speech that twice received standing applause from members.

The short, three-minute speech Tuesday was full of gratitude and best wishes for the future of the Olympic movement. Rogge said his thanks to his family, his colleagues and all stakeholders, reports Xinhua.

"My loving family was happy to get me back. I thank them deeply for having allowed me to live this burning passion on our movement," said Rogge.

"You, my dear colleagues, have always supported me to give me help, to give me guidance and to give me friendship," he said.

The outgoing IOC president admitted "the exercise of duty and power often bring solitude".

However, he never felt alone, said Rogge, whose 12 years reign at the IOC came to an end Tuesday.

He highlighted the athletes as "core of the movement" while recording his appreciation for all partners and stakeholders as they worked with IOC as a "united team".

The 125th IOC session here Tuesday elected German sports veteran Thomas Bach as their ninth president succeeding Rogge.

Bach, a lawyer, businessman and Olympic champion in fencing at Montreal 1976 Games, has served as vice-president of IOC since the beginning of this millennium.