On Olympic Day, the Olympic Movement experienced a moment of deep emotion and symbolism with the official handover of the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Thomas Bach, who led the organization for 12 years, passed the baton to former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry in a ceremony held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. Bach, a gold medalist in fencing at Montreal 1976, was honored for his legacy at the helm of the IOC, having been named Honorary Life President this past March.
Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic champion for Zimbabwe, was elected as the tenth president of the IOC, becoming the first woman and the first African to hold the position. The ceremony, attended by more than 700 guests, included the symbolic handover of the key to Olympic House, designed by André Ricard. The event, filled with history and gratitude, marked the beginning of a new era in Olympic leadership, led by a young, charismatic figure with a global vision.
Kirsty Coventry: legacy, gratitude and future vision
During his speech, Thomas Bach gave an emotional reflection on his years leading the IOC, thanking the support of athletes, federations, national committees, and strategic partners. He emphasized that his decision not to continue beyond the term stemmed from the need to renew leadership and expressed full confidence in Coventry: “She knows how to lead with courage… she brings a new voice that connects with the younger generation.” His farewell was marked by words of gratitude and optimism, stating that the Olympic Movement “is in the best hands.”
For her part, Kirsty Coventry paid tribute to Bach and shared a deeply human and collaborative vision for the IOC’s future. She thanked her family, coach, and colleagues for their support, recalling the sacrifices made since her childhood in Zimbabwe. Coventry emphasized that the Olympic Movement is not just a sports platform, but a resilient network of inspiration, change, and hope. “Working together and staying united,” she said, “will be key to continuing to make dreams come true for new generations.” With renewed energy, the new president committed to leading with humility, determination, and purpose over the next eight years.
