IOC President Thomas Bach in Budapest for final stage of Olympic Qualifier Series
21 June 2024 – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday to witness the final stage of the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS). Throughout his visit, he was accompanied by Zsolt Gyulay, President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, and Balázs Fürjes, an IOC Member and co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the OQS in Budapest. On the first day of the event, President Bach observed the sports action and experienced the energetic atmosphere at the Ludovika Campus.
The festival-style event got underway with 8,000 spectators gathered to watch over 450 athletes competing in BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing, all vying for the final quota places for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The President met a number of athletes from all four sports present at the event from countries around the world, including medallists from the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. They were all very happy with the organisation and the festival atmosphere in the park during the competition.
During his visit, President Bach commented on the vibrant setting, stating: “It is a very good atmosphere, combining the joy of sport, the culture of these urban sports and the athletes’ determination to make their individual Olympic dreams come true.”
He further praised the LOC of the event in Budapest, noting: “This is greatly facilitated by the concept and organisation our Hungarian friends have provided at this campus, which encompasses joy, education, a relaxed atmosphere, and commitment to the venues, creating the perfect stage with the fields of play established here.”
President Bach also met with Hungarian schoolchildren participating in the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) activities at the OQS Urban Park. These activities, organised by the Hungarian Olympic Committee, involve hundreds of schoolchildren.
Additionally, President Bach visited the AliExpress showcase, which launched its global campaign, “Find Your Sport”, as it continues the countdown to Paris 2024. The campaign is designed to demonstrate the power of sport, and aims to inspire the sporting dreams and passions of people around the world.
The Olympic Qualifier Series will continue in Budapest until June 23, culminating on Olympic Day. The series provides athletes and spectators with a unique Olympic experience that blends sport, music, art and culture, and will determine which athletes secure quota places for Paris 2024.
All competitions can be viewed live on Olympics.com and through the Olympics app. For detailed scheduling and additional information, visit Olympics.com.
