By Nick Butler at Mosimann's in London

Denis Oswald will continue to be involved in both rowing and the IOC despite stepping down from most of his current rolesOctober 31 - Denis Oswald has held talks with new International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who he publicly criticised during the election campaign. 


Oswald finished fourth in the race to replace Jacques Rogge at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires last month.

But, speaking here today at the International Rowing Federation's (FISA) inaugural award ceremony for the Parmigiani Spirit Awards, Oswald revealed he has already held discussions with Bach.

"I spoke to him very soon after the election," Oswald told insidethegames.

"He sent all the other candidates a letter saying, 'You've been preparing a programme and a manifesto with good ideas and I would like to discuss with you which of these ideas we can try to implement them together.'

"We had this discussion and he asked us to put in writing the main elements of what we have done."

Oswald also met Bach in Brussels "where there was a celebration for [outgoing IOC President] Jacques Rogge."

He added that Bach "has prepared himself" and "has the capabilities to really run the Olympic Movement in the best possible way".

This was, however, a departure from his sentiments on the eve of the election last month.

Then he was given a warning by the IOC Ethics Commission for publicly criticising the support Bach's campaign received from Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

When he was asked whether he planned to withdraw from the campaign, he replied, "certainly not in the case of Thomas Bach," before adding "I don't believe he and I share the same values".

Denis Oswald and new IOC President Thomas Bach now appear to be on better terms than during the IOC Session in Buenos Aires last monthDenis Oswald and new IOC President Thomas Bach now appear to be on better terms than during the IOC Session in Buenos Aires last month


Oswald, a lawyer by profession, was attempting to add the IOC Presidency to a long list of roles he has served within the Movement.

This included head of the Coordination Commission for London 2012, President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and membership of the IOC Executive Board.

All three of these roles have now come to a conclusion.

He also steps down from the FISA Presidency next July although his successor, France's former Olympic champion Jean-Christophe Rolland, has already been elected.

Oswald, 66, has not ruled out returning to a frontline role within the Olympic Movement.

"I'm still an IOC member for, according to the rules, a number of years and I still have a lot of interest for sport in general and for Olympic business as well," he said.

"I have finished soon with rowing, am at the end of my last term at ASOIF and am not eligible again, and the same at the IOC Executive Board where I am no longer eligible.

"I am out for two years at least then I possibly could consider coming back but I have not made a decision so far.

"It's good because I have left so many things behind me which I have wanted to do but now have a lot more time for that."

Denis Oswald's long involvement within the Olympic Movement included being head of the Coordination Commission at London 2012Denis Oswald's long involvement within the Olympic Movement included being head of the Coordination Commission at London 2012

Oswald has been elected Honorary President of FISA as recognition of his service to the sport.

He will remain involved and will be "always happy to go to competitions and things like that as a spectator to see the evolution of our sport, and also to see old friends".

Oswald, a bronze medallist in the coxed fours at Mexico City 1968, served as secretary general of FISA for 11 years before becoming President in 1989.

Under his leadership, the number of national federations affiliated to FISA grew from 66 to 142.

There has also been increased television coverage.

London 2012 was a culmination of both of these strands - with more countries participating than ever before and the week of rowing being a great success on television, Oswald claimed.

Because he has "dedicated a lot of time and effort to the sport", Oswald claimed he wanted to continue this success after his departure.

Denis Oswald alongside his eventual replacement as President of FISA, Jean-Christophe RollandDenis Oswald alongside his eventual replacement as President of FISA,
Jean-Christophe Rolland

Oswald claimed that to ensure continued success, he had "taken care" of the succession process which ended in the election of Rolland.

"I organised it in such a way that first of all I was looking around to find the person to take over," he said.

"We had several candidates but one especially who was a world and Olympic champion and a very bright guy but also with the willingness to continue and to dedicate time.

"I wanted to have a smooth transition, so he is already elected, but will start next July.

"I will take him to meetings and introduce him to different people and we will work as a team for a number of months, so when he starts he doesn't start from scratch.

"Then at end of my term I will leave him alone because I don't think it is good to interfere.

"He has to be seen as a leader and not as a puppet."

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September 2013: Bach named new President of International Olympic Committee
September 2013: Bach unconcerned as Oswald told off by IOC Ethics Commission on eve of Presidential election
September 2013: French Olympic gold medallist Rolland elected to replace Oswald as FISA President