LAUSANNE, Switz., March 29, 2025 – Thomas Bach was elected Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 19. He will assume the role after his term as IOC President concludes on June 23, 2025. The proposal, presented by IOC First Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz on behalf of the IOC Executive Board (EB), was unanimously approved by IOC Members, who gave a standing ovation during the 144th IOC Session in Olympia and Costa Navarino, Greece. Prior to the vote, the session highlighted the remarkable success of the Olympic Agenda reforms that shaped Bach’s presidency.
Bach is an Olympic gold medallist in fencing, and FIE Interim President Emmanuel Katsiadakis congratulated him in a personal letter, saying, “You have made history as the ninth IOC President, the first-ever Olympic champion to be elected in that position…your passion and determination to serve sport and the Olympic family always prevailed. From ensuring the Olympic Games remain accessible and inclusive, to your work in promoting sustainability and gender equality in sports, to the Olympic Agenda, to name a few, you have demonstrated your deep dedication to the Olympic Movement. I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for your support to the International Fencing Federation. Your collaboration has been invaluable and has had a positive impact to all of us working for the sustainable future of fencing and our Federation.”
In a statement from the IOC, and presenting the proposal, Ms. 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.”
Thomas Bach will step down from the IOC presidency after June 23, 2025, Olympic Day.