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For the last time as IOC President, Thomas Bach took his seat at the International Athletes Forum’s (IAF2025) Q&A. Streamed live on YouTube. A longstanding tradition at the Forum, but this year, it carried special resonance as it marked the closing chapter of Bach’s 12-year tenure.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTE On the occasion of the Forum, attended by over 400 representatives, a constellation of Olympic athletes from every corner of the Olympic Movement voiced a heartfelt video tribute to Bach, who has revolutionised the Olympic Movement.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Reflecting on more than a decade of leadership, Bach highlighted the key milestones achieved for athletes worldwide and shared his vision for the Olympic Movement’s future. His farewell comes ahead of the official handover to President-elect Kirsty Coventry, set to take place on Olympic Day, June 23, 2025.
CELEBRATING SOLIDARITY & CONCLUSION Tegla Loroupe (Kenya, Olympian, Athletics) praised Bach’s unifying leadership: “Thomas Bach is a true legend. He stayed in the IOC with an open heart. He brought us together.”
Eileen Gu (China, Olympian, Freestyle skiing) highlighted his drive for growth: “Every time I see him, I can feel his energy for the Olympic movement. And I think he embodies it so well. He is all about more inclusivity, more participation, and more events.
"How do we increase accessibility? How can we make it more entertaining to watch? How do we reach younger generations to keep their love for sport and love for the Olympics alive? And I think this is simply a proof of what the Olympic movement really should be.” Gu concluded.
Gaby Ahrens (Namibia, Olympian, Shooting) applauded his focus on underrepresented nations: “As an Olympian from Africa, I’ve experienced firsthand how your mission to give a stronger voice to underrepresented nations has made this global movement, the Olympic movement, a truly inclusive and united organisation.”
Kady Kanouté Tounkara (Mali, Olympian, Basketball) looked ahead to the first Youth Olympic Games in Africa: “First, thank you for giving us a voice as Olympians and athletes and a seat at the table.
"Second, as an African, I would like to thank you for bringing the Olympic Games to my beloved continent for the first time, with the Olympic Youth Games, which will take place in Dakar in 2026,” Kady concludes.
Katarina Witt (Germany, Olympian, Figure skating) reflected on his evolution: “Of course, I knew Thomas Bach from his history of sport. And then I really got to know him and have great respect for what he does as a great leader. And I think he did an incredible job as president.”
HONOURING LEADERSHIP & MASTERING PRESSURE From his journey as Olympic fencing champion to a dozen years at the helm of the IOC, Bach had his fair share of pressure moments. During the Q&A at the International Athletes Forum, he answered a question on his techniques for thriving under scrutiny:
“What I always felt as an athlete was that the only real pressure comes from yourself,” Bach remarked. “When you’re on the field of play, you’re alone - you have to do what you have been training for.
“It’s the same when it comes to being IOC President, or whatever position of responsibility. When it comes to the point of decision, you must be at peace with yourself that what you want to achieve is the right thing to do.
“Then, you will have no real pressure, only determination and passion.”
Sir Steve Redgrave (Great Britain, Olympian, Rowing) acknowledged the tightrope he walked: “It is a very, very difficult job. Very political. And it’s about finding the balance between sports enthusiasts and politics of what sport can and should do, and where the Olympic Games stand within that.”
Gary Hall Jr. (USA, Olympian, Swimming) summed it up: “An organisation is only a reflection of its leadership. And you, Thomas Bach, have led it with grace, dignity and respect. You have been a father of the Olympic Movement. And your accomplishments and achievements are unmatched.”
FROM GOVERNANCE TO GAME-CHANGE Stefan Holm (Sweden, Olympian, High Jump, ex IOC Member) spoke as a former colleague: “It was an honour for me to serve at the IOC during my eight-year term as an IOC member. And I firmly believe that you have made the IOC a better organisation during your presidency.”
James Tomkins (Australia, Olympian, Rowing) praised his transparency: “I am sending a huge congratulations on your presidency. You’re an example of leadership, openness, transparency, taking people along the journey with you and achieving successful outcomes. Simply amazing.”
Nawal El Moutawakel (Morocco, Olympian, Athletics, IOC Member) celebrated his bold initiatives: “A visionary man, a man with many ideas. whom we asked ourselves at the beginning how we could bring it all together. You knew when he had the idea for the Refugee Team how we would do it. And in 2016, it was actually implemented. Look at them now!”
ADVANCING EQUALITY & SPIRIT Nadia Comăneci (Romania, Olympian, Gymnastics) hailed his push for parity: “The impact he made, you can see clearly at Paris, when he announced 50-50 gender equality in competition. That was a big step. So I congratulate him.”
Aksel Svindal (Norway, Olympian, Alpine skiing) underlined the need for hope: “Thank you because I am a big believer in the Olympic spirit. It is sad, but we may need it now more than ever. I think you have made a great contribution to demonstrating this spirit in an excellent way.”
Alistair Brownlee (Great Britain, Olympian, Triathlon) added: “Thank you very much for the role you have played in the Olympic movement over so many years. For me, this is the best and most important movement in the world. So your role has been crucial.”
PERSONAL FAREWELL Pita Taufatofua (Tonga, Olympian, Taekwondo) spoke for many when he said: “You had a massive impact on all of us, on the entire Olympic community. Your commitment to the Olympic Games, the Olympic ideals, and the world as a whole has changed the lives of many people, and certainly my own life. A few words that someone once told me: an Olympian never really goes into retirement. He just switches to another arena of life. So I wish you all the best for the next arena of life and your next great adventures.”
Watch IAF2025 - Athletes' tribute to IOC President Thomas Bach: https://youtu.be/viri55u-GFs
Nadine Alsheikh Hassan - AIPS Media
