Thomas Bach Elected Honorary President for Life of the IOC

Thomas Bach, who has served as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2013, will step down on 23 June 2025. During his 12-year tenure, Bach led transformative reforms through Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, promoting gender equality, sustainability, digital innovation, and support for refugee athletes. He successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the delivery of both the Tokyo and Beijing Olympic Games.

At the 144th IOC Session in Olympia, Greece, Bach was unanimously elected Honorary President for Life. IOC First Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz praised his leadership, highlighting his efforts to modernize the Olympic Movement and foster unity. Numerous IOC members, including Pau Gasol, Allyson Felix, and Yael Arad, commended Bach for his dedication to athlete welfare and his role in expanding the Games’ global reach.

In his acceptance speech, an emotional Bach expressed gratitude for the trust and collaboration of IOC members over the years. He emphasized that the Olympic Movement is greater than any individual and pledged his continued support for its future. “Yesterday’s achievements are only the foundation for tomorrow’s success,” he said, wishing the next leadership well.