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IOC chief "impressed, moved" by Paris 2024 unity

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach (R) and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo walk in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral during a visit to the 2024 Olympic games organising committee in Paris on October 1, 2016

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said he was "very impressed and moved" by the unity of French athletes backing Paris's bid to host the 2024 Olympics. Bach, on a 24-hour visit to the city having already made similar trips to fellow Games hopefuls Budapest and Los Angeles, said he had been delighted to be amongst athletes at the country's Institute of Sport and Performance (INSEP). "Seeing you all explore new ideas for the Olympics, for me it is very touching, very encouraging for the nomination," said Bach. "I thank the person who had the idea of ​​inviting me here. I could not imagine a better start to my visit to Paris." Over 200 young athletes attend the INSEP many of whom are potential participants at the 2024 Olympics. "I love being with athletes. It is for them that we work every day. It is essential to discuss with them to see how the Olympic Games can be improved." Bach was an Olympic fencing champion in 1976 with the German team.