DESPITE many believing the country underperformed at the Paris Olympics last summer, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach says Jamaica played a crucial role in the success of the Games.

Fifty-eight Jamaicans competed in four sporting disciplines. Jamaica ended with six medals, all from track and field, consisting of one gold, three silver and two bronze.

There was a belief that Jamaica should have had a bigger medal haul due its prowess in athletics but Bach, who has served as president of the IOC since 2013, says he was impressed with Jamaica’s performances.

“I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the Jamaican athletes who took part in the sensational Olympic Games, Paris 2024,” he said.

“Your amazing performances and your sporting success, especially the medallists, brought so much pride and joy to all the people of ‘Jamrock’. Jamaica and your athletes contributed to the great success of the Olympic Games, Paris 2024.”

Bach was addressing stakeholders at the Jamaica Olympic Association’s (JOA) celebration event for Jamaica’s medallists recently.

He says the athletes’ attitude throughout the Olympics was admirable and that it sent a powerful message worldwide.

“The Olympic Games are, first and foremost, about sport but you showed us that they are also about much more than sport,” Bach said. “The Olympic Games are about togetherness, hope, solidarity, peace. You, the Jamaican athletes, played an essential part in creating this culture of peace.

“This is why, as you celebrate your success in Paris, I would like to thank all Jamaican Olympians for showing us how our world would be if we all were to live in the same Olympic spirit of peaceful coexistence. I call on you to please share this culture of peace with your communities, family, and friends. This way, even if the Olympic Games come to an end we can continue to live this culture of peace every single day.”

JOA President Christopher Samuda praised Bach’s tenure as IOC president, as he is set to demit office next year.

“Please accept my gratitude for enriching our Olympic experience, and in demonstrating visionary leadership that continues to motivate and empower our Olympians, and that reinforces the values in sport and the value of sport in creating a more unified and harmonious humanity,” Samuda said.

Bach is one of four men who have served as IOC president in the last 52 years. A new president will be elected during the IOC Session from March 18 to 21 in Athens, Greece, next year — with Jamaica having a vote during the process.

The seven candidates, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, will present their manifestos to the full IOC membership in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the end of January.