20 March 2025 - Thomas Bach was yesterday elected Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a position he will take up when his term of office as IOC President ends after 23 June 2025. The IOC Members accepted the proposal unanimously as they rose in a standing ovation after the proposal was made to the 144th IOC Session by IOC First Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz on behalf of the IOC Executive Board (EB) in Olympia (Costa Navarino), Greece. Just before that, the IOC Session had heard about the tremendous success of the Olympic Agenda reforms, which defined the presidency of Thomas Bach.
Presenting the proposal, Mrs Hoevertsz explained: “Under President Bach's visionary leadership, Olympic Agenda was successfully implemented over the years which certainly has not been a small feat. By doing so, we could say that, in essence, President Thomas Bach played a crucial role in modernising the Olympic Movement and ensuring its relevance in the 21st century. Mr President and Executive Board colleagues, please allow me to direct myself to the IOC Members who are present at this 144th Session. I would like to first invite you to stand still for a moment and realise that while we are here, appropriately in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, we are more than simply finalising this IOC Session. It marks the end of an era, as we soon bid farewell to President Thomas Bach. I believe that it is the appropriate moment to present to you a proposal to appoint President Thomas Bach as Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee. And please allow me to explain the reasons that have led to this proposal.”
Mrs Hoevertsz continued: “Thomas Bach has truly served our organisation, and he has done so as a Member for no less than 34 years. During this period of membership, he has served as a member of the Executive Board and as Vice-President. He was a member of several important commissions and is credited as being a member of the first IOC Athletes’ Commission when it was created at the session in Baden-Baden in 1981.”
Continuing, Mrs Hoevertsz said: “For the past 12 years, as we know, President Bach has served as the guiding force of the Olympic Movement, with his unwavering commitment to the ideals of sport and international cooperation. During his tenure, President Bach navigated the complex landscape of global sports with remarkable resilience and foresight. He championed Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, and the Olympic AI Agenda, driving crucial reforms that have shaped the future of the Games and of the Olympic Movement. His leadership was instrumental in facing challenging geopolitical situations, promoting gender equality, advancing sustainability initiatives, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening the fight against doping.”
Mrs Hoevertsz added: “His work to promote esports and the further digitalisation of the Olympic Games must be recognised. He demonstrated a commitment to athlete well-being and the safeguarding of athletes. President Bach frequently emphasises the enduring relevance of Pierre de Coubertin's vision and draws clear inspiration from the founder of the modern Olympic Games. He consistently highlights Coubertin's belief that sport transcends national boundaries and serves as a powerful instrument for fostering harmony among people. His dedication to the Olympic values has inspired generations of athletes and instilled a sense of hope and possibility in communities around the world. He leaves an indelible mark on the Olympic Movement, strengthening its foundation for generations to come.”
Mrs Hoevertsz explained: “I am confident that I speak on behalf of you all, and the entire Olympic community, when I express our deepest gratitude for President Bach's tireless dedication and unwavering commitment. 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 lie 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 sport to unite the world. Thank you, President Bach, for the extraordinary services rendered to our organisation.”
Mrs Hoevertsz concluded by saying: “It is against this background of innumerable accomplishments that I believe that we owe President Bach so much more than our simple gratitude. Words can only begin to express part of our appreciation to this true Olympic champion, who has dedicated his life to the Olympic Movement, its ideals, and everything it stands for and represents. To honour his extraordinary service, his dedication to fostering unity through sport, and his tireless pursuit of excellence, the appointment of President Bach as Honorary President for Life of the IOC would be a fitting tribute. It would not only acknowledge his past achievements, but also symbolise the enduring spirit of the Olympic values he so diligently championed. In accordance with the Olympic Charter, Rule 16.4.1, it falls to the Executive Board to make such a proposal to the Session, and it is then the authority of the Session to elect as an Honorary President for Life a Member who has rendered exceptional services as President of the IOC. This Executive Board had the great privilege to work and collaborate very closely with our President over the past years, and therefore felt that it was the natural thing that it present this particular proposal. At its meeting of 17 March 2025, the EB concluded that this certainly is the case for our President, Thomas Bach, and his appointment as our organisation’s Honorary President for Life would be appropriate. At this point, I seek your support and approval for this proposal that is presented to you by my colleagues on the Executive Board.”
Following the proposal, several IOC Members expressed their support. Here are some extracts from their quotes:
Pau Gasol, IOC Member in Spain, a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) and three-time Olympic medallist, said: “From the perspective of the Athletes' Commission, and I speak on behalf of all of us, I just want to thank you especially. Not only for supporting us, listening to us, but also for encouraging us and challenging us to do more, to seize the opportunity and responsibility that we have been given. And we are delighted to continue to build on everything that each member of our AC has achieved over time. So, thank you very much. I cannot thank you enough and we will honour your legacy in the future.”
Mustapha Berraf, IOC Member in Algeria and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), said: I’m extremely moved; speaking on behalf of my African colleagues, we also made this proposal, and I am very happy to see it happen today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your efforts for Africa; you have supported us so much, and we can consider that things have been put right. The athletes are in good hands. On behalf of the African Olympic and sporting movement, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and best wishes.”
Spyros Capralos, IOC Member in Greece and President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), said: “I would also like to say that I was there when your term started in Buenos Aires. I know the difficulties having to stage Olympic Winter Games only six months after [your election] in Buenos Aires, Later on, you set the goals and milestones of what we needed to do with the Olympic Agendas, and that was always based on values, something that we so needed in our organisation. You did a lot, always keeping in mind that, at the heart of the Games, there is sport; and also giving the athletes more authority and helping them to do more. Then, of course, for the organisers trying to reduce the cost of the Games. To permit more people to organise Games, not only Olympic Games, but also the Youth Olympic Games. And always looking ahead for major goals in sustainability and gender equality, and also looking to the future. The future has already become the present, with artificial intelligence and esports. I would also like to say, because I was president of an NOC, that every two years we light the flame. You're always here in Olympia being supportive of what we're doing as the Hellenic Olympic Committee. Also, as President of the EOC, I would like to say that you were supportive when we started our European Games in 2015, as well as of the Youth Olympic Festival that we hold every two years. As well as of an event that many people in this room have never heard of, the Games of the Small States of Europe. You are always very enthusiastic about them. Of course, your presidency was not always easy. The road was not full of flowers and roses. The biggest difficulty was the pandemic. I still remember when we spoke on the phone after the lighting of the flame for the Tokyo Games, and you said, ‘keep the flame alive. Pass it to our Japanese friends, and we'll have these Olympic Games’. This is something more important for humanity than anything else. And we did those Games, and we also did Beijing later on, just after the pandemic. And then, of course, in this changing world, we had lots of wars and conflicts, and what you managed to do is to keep the unity of the Movement, and that was very important. Let us not forget how proud we all felt when we saw the Refugee Team, first in Rio and then later on in Tokyo, and then also in Paris, where the refugees got their first medal. This is an achievement for the IOC and you. Finally, there is a new word in the motto, the word ‘together’. Because, without being together, we could not accomplish these things under your leadership. Thank you very much for your leadership.”
Neven Ilic, IOC Member in Chile and Panam Sports President, said: “I admire many things in you, and am grateful for many things. Those of us who are presidents of Continental Associations and NOCs value the closeness of their relationship with you. You always made me feel incredibly welcome. You were always there at the Pan American Games, you made us feel relevant. There are lots of things one looks for in a great leader. Your efforts and conviction were so important. During the pandemic, athletes who had been preparing for more than four years could have had their dreams destroyed, but thanks to your conviction and efforts, they were able to compete in Tokyo and Beijing. You have had to defend values; even when there could have been consequences for you, you always defended our values and did what you thought was right. Our organisation fought for these convictions. On behalf of my continent, thank you for your leadership. We hope that whatever you go on to do, you will be successful.”
Ingmar De Vos, IOC Member in Belgium and President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), said: “For us, the International Federations, your biggest achievement was that you guided us through very difficult periods, with the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games, with the pandemic, and we have to be grateful to you forever, because I think that you have saved the Games for us. Without your leadership during this very difficult period, I am afraid that, and I think many of us feared, that the Games would be over. And thanks to your leadership, the Games are more alive than ever. You saved the Games.”
Ivo Ferriani, an IOC EB member from Italy and President of the Winter Olympic Federations (WOF), said: “We, the Winter Sports Federations, are grateful for your constant support for our sports. What we have learned from you is to harmonise our group, instead of being divided, to be united, and together. You were able to create incredible conditions for all the Winter Games during your term, but in particular, Beijing. You were able to convince everyone it was possible to do winter sport in these conditions. It was not an easy task, but you did it.”
Jessica Fox, IOC Member in Australia, three-time Olympic champion in canoe slalom and member of the IOC AC, said: “President Bach, 11 years ago, I had the honour of being one of 10 Olympians to come to Lausanne and participate with you in the consultation process for Olympic Agenda 2020. You valued our voices and our diverse experiences. You opened the door to new perspectives to help you shape the future. It was a defining moment that inspired me to take on roles representing athletes in my sport and in my country. And as a competitive athlete in Rio, Tokyo and Paris, I felt first-hand the transformative impact of the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms. Paris, in particular, was remarkable. I felt that these Games were clearly successful and progressive. But more than that, you could feel the Olympic spirit flourishing. You could feel that we were bringing the whole world together. And it was more egalitarian, more inclusive, more sustainable, more athlete-centred, with an incredible atmosphere, venues and stories that celebrated the Olympic values. Under your leadership, President Bach, the reforms you have carried out have strengthened our role within the Movement.”
Camilo Pérez Lopéz Moreira, IOC Member in Paraguay, said: “Thank you for dedicating your life to the Olympic world – not just the past 12 years, but your whole life. You earned our admiration, respect and affection. It is always sad to see a leader of your stature go. And we are very grateful for your work, the example you have set and your dedication. As Ban Ki-moon said earlier, credibility is achieved every day. You have demonstrated this and set an example for all of us. For any national or international leader, there is nothing better than saying goodbye with such applause and recognition. ”
Karl Stoss, IOC Member in Austria, said: “Let me just thank you for all that you have done for the Olympic Movement and for your incredible support. It was really a team effort, nothing else. And that's important in our world. Today's impressive reports, from the financial report to the closing report of the Olympic Agenda, are an incredible testament to what has been done over the past 12 years under your chairmanship.”
Samira Ashgari, IOC Member in Afghanistan, in a very emotional statement, echoed many of these sentiments when she said: “In terms of gender equality, human rights, and in particular women's rights, you are our champion. I come from Afghanistan. When everyone forgot about Afghanistan, when all the world leaders forgot about Afghanistan, the only place we looked to was the Olympic Games. And under your leadership, we saw our women everywhere, and your arms were always open. The Afghan people are grateful to the Olympic Movement, especially for your support.”
Yael Arad, IOC Member in Israel and an Olympic medallist, said: “I think you are a great inspiration to all of us, to me in particular, but to all of us, because you are an entrepreneur, a person capable of making decisions, of making difficult decisions, not just easy decisions. I think that for so many years, your door has been open to all of us, to the big nations, to the small NOCs, to individuals, which always warms our hearts. And I think your resilience shows that being an Olympic champion is not just about being a fencer or playing a sport, it's about personality. One of the most important things in your leadership is that you have a very, very big heart. Thank you very much.”
Robin Mitchell, IOC Member in Fiji and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), said: “Yesterday the three members leaving the [Executive Board] made the proposal that was forwarded by our First Vice-President. I echo the comments of the continental associations that have expressed their support for what you have done for the NOCs. I'm wearing my Oceanian National Olympic Committees hat, I'll add that and on behalf of all the NOCs on the ONOC side, I support everything that has been said and I wish you good luck.”
Michael Mronz, IOC Member in Germany, said: “Many things have already been said and I can only emphasise every word that has been mentioned. Coming from the same country as the President, I would like to say, on behalf of German sport, thank you very much for what you have brought to international sport. Thanks for your commitment and your achievements, you have made world sport faster, higher, stronger and more united. Vielen Dank.”
Allyson Felix, IOC Member in the United States of America, seven-time Olympic champion and member of the IOC AC, said: “You encouraged me to get involved in the Athletes' Commission. I was very hesitant. Thanks to your encouragement, I decided to get involved and since then it has been a very eye-opening experience and, on behalf of the Athletes' Commission, we just want to thank you for always being attentive to the services to athletes. Thank you for always putting athletes at the centre of your concerns, and I know we are all inspired by that and will continue to work to make sure that continues.”
Anant Singh, IOC Member in South Africa, said: “We have talked a lot about leadership over the years, and I have had the honour of being led by you. The leadership for which we both have great admiration is that of Nelson Mandela. You have adopted many of the ideals and objectives found in the way he led, and I have observed this during my seven years here. It has been a great source of inspiration to have been led by you.”
Luis Mejía Oviedo, IOC Member in the Dominican Republic, said: “The good work and legacies of the past 12 years will not be erased and will remain. It has allowed the IOC to boost the number of athletes and sponsors, to take care of the environment, the defenceless and refugees, and to increase our income and credibility. This type of legacy cannot be undone, so I join my colleagues in congratulating you on these 12 years and wish you the best of luck. The way you have done things and the example you have set are a good legacy, not only for sport, but also in all other sectors of society. We have earned respect as an institution at a time when other organisations are losing their credibility.”
Mehrez Boussayene, IOC Member in Tunisia, said: “You have done an extraordinary job, and I think it is something historic. I wanted to speak on behalf of Africa. Allow me to say, President, that one of the best illustrations of the slogan ‘together’, or perhaps the very best illustration of that, is that the IOC during your term awarded the Youth Olympic Games to Africa. This great continent, which has always been a consumer of different Games. But now, thanks to your support, for the very first time, we are going to see the first Olympic event being held on our continent. And in that manner, we're going to participate in the development of the Olympic Games. By allowing us to deliver these Youth Olympic Games, the African continent will be able to speak with a higher voice, and we can say that together we are able to contribute to this movement. Africa thanks you, and we will not forget all the historic work that you have done.”
Luis Alberto Moreno, IOC Member in Colombia, said: “I would like to draw the attention of all my colleagues to another dimension: your diplomatic skills that I have had the privilege of seeing with my own eyes. Having spent a good part of my life in multilateral institutions, it is not easy to reach a consensus on ideas. I saw how you were able to listen. At the end of the day, diplomacy is about building bridges where there are none. It reminds me of what Gandhi said: ‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you and finally you win.’ Mr President, you have won for all of us. Thank you very much.”
Félicité Rwemarika, IOC Member in Rwanda, said: “I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank the President of the IOC for his leadership and his dedication to the values of the Olympic Movement. One of his greatest legacies is giving hope to those who need it. At a time when many were looking the other way, you chose to recognise refugee athletes, to support them and to give them a stage to show their talent and their resilience. It is a reflection of humanity in leadership. President Bach, your vision and your compassion have had a lasting impact. It reminds us that sport has the power to change lives. We sincerely thank you for being the champion of inclusion and dignity for all.”
Anita DeFrantz, IOC Member in the USA and an Olympic medallist, said: “I am delighted with everything that has been said and all the applause. It has been very well understood what you have done and of course also for women. Thank you for having accomplished our mission of increasing the number of women in the IOC and in sport. I wanted to add something that not everyone knows about you: your kindness. You are always there for someone who has been injured or has problems, and you do it calmly and immediately. Your calls of support made a big difference to me and allowed me to be sure that I could be here at this meeting. I am deeply grateful to you. I know of many other acts of kindness that you have performed. You are both extraordinarily tough and extraordinarily kind and that is why I really appreciate your legacy. I had the privilege of voting for your membership of the IOC and then I saw how you went from a backbencher to the front of the room. I congratulate you. It wasn't easy, but you did it. Mr President, I thank you for everything that others have said specifically for women, but above all for your kindness as a leader, which is extremely important and does not always happen, so thank you for being a leader and a friend.”
It was with great humility and emotion that IOC President Thomas Bach accepted his election as IOC Honorary President for Life. pic.twitter.com/KdTp3zitvz
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 19, 2025
Accepting the nomination, a visibly moved Thomas Bach said: “Dear friends and colleagues, when I was elected as President 12 years ago, my first words were ‘ouf’, and it's the same situation now. I'm really overwhelmed and indeed extremely grateful for all the words that you have expressed and for granting me this great honour of electing me as your Honorary President.”
He continued: “But I do so with great humility and for two reasons. First of all, what I always said before, this is not what we have seen here, this is not the work of one man. This is the work and the achievements of all of us. Everyone. Every single one of you has contributed in their particular way to this success. And every one of you has contributed to this unity we finally had and without which we would not have achieved anything.”
President Bach went on: “If we had not been united in the commitment to our values, God knows where we would be now. And this is why the words you expressed, I could give them all back to you and I give them back to you with all this gratitude, then I say also at the same time we should never forget that this Olympic Movement is much, much greater than ourselves. We can be grateful, and I have always been grateful to have this privilege to work in this Olympic Movement. As some have said, it was such a difficult 12 years, and you have made sacrifices. I didn't make a single sacrifice in these 12 years.”
He continued: “I am grateful that, after my career as an athlete, I could continue to live my passion for sport. And I'm grateful that you allowed me to give back to sport what I have received from the Olympic Movement. My gold medal changed my life; and with this office as IOC President, I had the opportunity to help others to change their lives. And this is why you see a very happy man, even if he does not look like it at the moment, but you see a very happy man because I'm grateful for having had this opportunity to give back and I'm grateful for having given others this opportunity, and I'm grateful that now I can say I have given to this Olympic Movement everything I could give.”
Concluding his comments, President Bach said: “And now it's time for new leadership; and it's up to you then to elect this new leadership to give back to the Olympic Movement and to make this Olympic Movement shine even brighter than it does today; because we are in sport and the achievements of yesterday can only be the foundation of the success for tomorrow. And I wish all of us this great success. If the new President would like to have some advice or support, they can call me in the middle of the night. I'll be happy. I don't know whether I will respond then. You know I love my eight hours of sleep and also in the morning, but I'll be ready at any time if they want my advice. If not, I will not impose my advice. I take this vote from you today as an honour, but there are more important things in life than honours. And a more important thing in life is friendship. Thank you very much.”
Thomas Bach, the ninth IOC President, served for 12 years following his election in 2013 at the 125th Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He served a first eight-year term and was re-elected unopposed for a second four-year term in March 2021.
The position of Honorary President is a role for life.
Thomas Bach will step down from the IOC presidency after 23 June 2025, Olympic Day.
