COSTA NAVARINO, March 19, 2025 - Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach was moved to tears as the IOC membership paid tribute to his revolutionary 12-year leadership and unanimously elected him as an Honorary President for life on the opening day of the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
The 71-year-old German placed his right hand over his heart and bowed as he received a rousing standing ovation from the IOC members on Wednesday.
MORE THAN A SIMPLE GRATITUDE “I am confident that I speak on behalf of you all, and in fact, of the entire Olympic community, when I express our deepest gratitude from President Bach's tireless dedication and unwavering commitment,” said Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz, as she announced the IOC Executive Board’s proposal to honour Bach with the lifetime position, explaining why the organisation owes the outgoing president so much more than a “simple gratitude”.
“His passion for sport and his genuine concern for the well being of athletes have been evident in every single decision he made. His ability to bring people together, even in times of conflict, is a testament to his exceptional leadership.
“As President Bach embarks on a new chapter in his life, we wish him all the best in all the new and exciting experiences that lay on his path. May the Spirit of the Olympic gods continue to bless and guide you, dear President, and may your legacy inspire us all to strive for excellence and embrace the power of support to unite the world. Thank you, President Bach, for the extraordinary services rendered to our organization.”
After a series of heartfelt speeches by many IOC members, Bach said, "I'm really overwhelmed and indeed extremely grateful for all the words that you have expressed and for granting me this honour of electing me as your Honorary President."
OLYMPIC AGENDA REFORMS The far-reaching reforms of the Olympic Agenda, initiated by outgoing President Bach dominated proceedings on the opening day of the 144th IOC Session, as the membership reflected on the achievements of the German’s 12-year leadership ahead of tomorrow’s election. There was also a 30-minute film with testimonials from individuals, personalities and organisations. Bach, a German lawyer and former Olympic fencing champion, took over in 2013. The Olympic Agenda was unanimously approved by the 127th IOC Session in Monaco in December 2014. The documentary ends with the words of French President Emmanuel Macron, who said: "I hope that his successor is as bold, as wise and as innovative as he is, so Iàd like to give him my sincere thanks as a president and as a friend."
A week before the IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, the Olympic body published highlights of these reforms on its website, summarised in 10 topics, including revolutionising the Olympic Games, empowering athletes within decision-making, creating the first-ever refugee Olympic team, making huge strides in gender equality, pioneering digitalisation in sport and ensuring financial resilience by achieving a 60 per cent increase in commercial revenue in the past 12 years.
THE CANDIDATES Seven candidates are in the running to succeed Bachç IOC vice-president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, Zimbabwe's sports minister Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe of Britain, International cycling chief David Lappartient, International Gymnastics Federation head Morinari Watanabe, Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan and Olympic newcomer and multimillionaire Johan Eliasch, who heads the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
SUPPORT FOR SUCCESSOR Following tomorrow's election, Bach will handover to the incoming president on June 23 and will also step down as IOC member. His term as Honorary President begins on the same day. Bach has pledged his support to his successor. "If the new president would like to have some advice or support they can call me in the middle of the night, I don’t know if I would respond because I love my eight hours of sleep, but I would be ready at any time if they want my advice, if not I will not impose my advice."
