IOC President Thomas Bach Hands Over Reins to Kirsty Coventry in Historic Ceremony

In a landmark transition for global sport, outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach officially handed over leadership to Kirsty Coventry, former Zimbabwean Sports Minister, during a ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Bach, who led the IOC for 12 years, expressed deep gratitude to IOC members, athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations, sponsors, and staff for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

He lauded the Olympic Movement’s resilience and progress, attributing its success to unity and shared vision.

Coventry, now the first woman and the first African to head the IOC, delivered a powerful inaugural speech, stressing the need for continued collaboration. She likened the Olympic Movement to a spiderweb, strong and interconnected, yet fragile if any part weakens.

She vowed to build on the legacy of her predecessors, using sport as a tool to inspire, empower, and create inclusive opportunities for future generations.