Thomas Bach shows off his samba feet in Rio beach

Once again, German juggles the ball on Barra beach with Jorginho, Damião and kids from social project – then takes penalties

Cloudy weather and a brisk wind could not stop Thomas Bach from enjoying himself as he took to Barra da Tijuca beach for a quick beach soccer kickaround on Thursday (28 July) afternoon. The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), big fan of beach soccer as he repeatedly said, looked delighted as he took turns juggling the ball with a group of local teenagers from a social project.

Totally unfazed, both by the crowd watching him and the ball at his feet, Bach used his feet, knees and head to keep the ball in the air, impressing onlookers and showing that it was not, by far, his first time at the beach….

“I’ve always been a football fan,” he said. “I played when I was young, but my parents put me in fencing. Even today I don’t know why, but I never stopped enjoying myself when I play.”

Other stars of the Brazilian sports panaorama, including Brazil beach soccer international Jorginho Flamengo forward Leandro Damião, who top scored at the London 2012 Games took part as well. Jorginho gave Bach a Brazin National Jersey, and Damião even joked “It was a good laugh, worth it for the Olympic spirit and for all he has done for sport. He even kicks the ball well,” Damião said, laughing.