During his visit to Colorado Springs, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised the US athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “My heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes of the United States for their outstanding achievements,” he said at an event organised by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), held at the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum.
Bach noted that US athletes not only broke medal records at a Games outside the country, but also inspired millions with their sportsmanship. “They brought not only medals, but a spirit of excellence, grace and sportsmanship that inspired millions of people in the United States and around the world,” he said. This contribution, he said, has been key to the success of the Paris 2024 Games, leaving a legacy of which the USOPC can be proud.
In his speech, the IOC President also recognised the leadership of USOPC President Gene Sykes and Executive Director Sarah Hirshland. He thanked both for their tireless work in supporting athletes and promoting the values of sport in the United States. “The USOPC’s strong status in the Olympic community is due to the collective effort of all of you,” Bach said, referring to the committee’s work under Sykes’ leadership.
BACH’S STABILISING FORCE
Gene Sykes welcomed Bach’s visit to the museum and praised his leadership. “President Bach has been a stabilising force, guiding the IOC through formidable challenges and reinforcing Olympic values,” he said. He also noted that Bach’s vision has propelled the IOC into the future, with breakthroughs in areas such as eSports and artificial intelligence, connecting with new generations.
Sykes also underlined the Olympic movement’s ability to transcend sport. “The Olympic Games start with an impressive collection of elite sports, but their importance goes far beyond that, unifying people regardless of their differences,” he said. The mission of the Olympic movement, according to Sykes, is to use sport as a means to generate unity and global collaboration.
The event was attended by former USOPC Presidents Bill Hybl and Larry Probst, as well as Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Olympic skating champion Peggy Gale Fleming and Kara Winger. President Bach also had the opportunity to tour the museum facilities, accompanied by these athletes and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
“Best in class”
Prior to the event, Bach visited the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre, where he shared lunch with athletes. So far in 2024, more than 8,000 athletes have used this elite facility, including 250 international visitors from 59 National Olympic Committees. During his visit, Bach praised the USOPC’s athlete support programmes, calling them “best in class”.
Finally, the IOC President highlighted the USOPC’s commitment to athletes, noting that the organisation “is putting the athlete at the centre of everything it does” by providing world-class training facilities, mental health programmes, safeguards, and educational and professional opportunities.
