IOC Handover Ceremony
On 23 June 2025, Olympic Day, a chapter in Olympic history was written as Thomas Bach officially handed over the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to Kirsty Coventry during a symbolic and emotional ceremony at Olympic House in Lausanne.
After 12 years of service, Olympic fencing champion and outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach passed the ceremonial key of the Olympic House to Kirsty Coventry, a double Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe. Elected in March during the 144th IOC Session in Olympia, Greece, Coventry becomes the 10th IOC President, and the first woman and the first African to hold the role.
Distinguished guests from across the Olympic Movement, political institutions and international organisations attended the ceremony. Among them was the President of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), Dr Raffaele Chiulli, whose presence underscored ARISF’s dedication to the values of unity and shared purpose within the Olympic family.
During the event, Bach was awarded the Olympic Order in Gold and named IOC Honorary President for Life. In his farewell speech, he expressed his appreciation to the entire Olympic community and reaffirmed the Movement’s collective strength:
“To everyone who brings our Olympic community to life (…) each of you has shaped this, our shared Olympic journey, in your own way. Your belief in our mission, your unwavering support – I have felt it every step. In difficult moments, it was your support that helped us to navigate forward. Without all of you, the Olympic Movement would not be where it is today.”
Coventry, in her address, paid tribute to Bach’s leadership and reaffirmed her commitment to unity, inclusion and evolution within the Olympic Movement, by placing strong emphasis on togetherness and shared responsibility:
“But it only works if we work together, and if we remain united. Every single one of you plays a very significant role in our very important ecosystem. Working together over these next few years and consistently finding ways to strengthen and keep united our Movement will ensure and will allow for all of us that we could wake up daily and continue to inspire the next generation, to continue to change lives, and most importantly, to make dreams come true.”
She concluded: “We are the guardians of this platform. It’s not just about sport. It’s about hope, change and inspiration for generations to come.”
The ceremony concluded with a shared visit to the resting place of IOC founder Pierre de Coubertin, marking a powerful connection between the Movement’s origins and its future.
ARISF extends its heartfelt thanks to President Thomas Bach for his leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his 12 years at the head of the Olympic Movement. As a new chapter begins, ARISF warmly congratulates President Kirsty Coventry and wishes her every success in her new role. United in purpose, ARISF stands ready to support her and contribute in any way it can to positively impact the Olympic Movement and inspire future generations.
