NADINE ALSHEIKH HASSAN – AIPS / LAUSANNE: Olympic Day 2025 was marked by another milestone for the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne as Thomas Bach handed over the presidency to Kirsty Coventry after 12 years at the helm.

Coventry, from Zimbabwe, was elected earlier this year for an initial term of eight years; she may then run again for a further four years. At 41 she is the youngest IOC president since founder Pierre de Coubertin who had been its second president in 1896.

The event began with a welcome speech from Christophe de Kepper, IOC Director General, who acknowledged distinguished guests attending, including members of the Swiss Federal Council, international federation leaders, IOC members, honorary members and Olympians.

A video highlighting Bach’s tenure reviewed his work from creating the Refugee Olympic Team to introducing “together” into the Olympic motto.

Bach said: “Today is a day of gratitude, confidence, and joy.” He emphasised unity as the cornerstone of his leadership, which enabled the IOC to navigate unprecedented challenges.

He has been appointed honorary president for life and added: “I am at peace because the Olympic movement is in good hands and ready for the future.”

Coventry, a seven-time Olympic champion, former Zimbabwe minister and now the IOC’s first female and African president, acknowledged Bach for”keeping us united through turbulent times.” She pledged to build upon his legacy, in particular unity and inclusivity.

She likened the Olympic movement to a delicate yet strong spiderweb, a metaphor from her six-year-old daughter Elly, explaining its resilience: “Our movement is complex, beautiful, and strong. But it only works if we work together and remain united.”

Coventry paid tribute to her parents, among the the audience, saying: “Who would have imagined that countless cake sales and thousands of burgers sold could lead to this incredible moment? Your tireless sacrifices and unwavering support allowed me and my teammates to attend training, competition and chase our dreams, and for that, I am eternally grateful to both of you.”

She went on to highlight the powerful role of family and mentorship in shaping her path and inspiring a vision that is as personal as it is powerful: “To continue transforming lives and inspiring hope through sport.”

Coventry added: “I cannot wait for everything that lies ahead, knowing we have the best team to support our movement in these next eight years.”

IOC presidents:

List of IOC Presidents

1894-1896: Demetrius Vikelas

1896-1925: Pierre de Coubertin

1925-1942: Henri de Baillet-Latour

1942-1946: J. Sigfrid Edström (Vice-President and Acting President)

1946-1952: J. Sigfrid Edström

1952-1972: Avery Brundage

1972-1980: Lord Killanin

1980-2001: Juan Antonio Samaranch

2001-2013: Jacques Rogge

2013-2025: Thomas Bach

From 2025: Kirsty Coventry

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