International Olympic Committee chairmanship handed over, Kirsty Coventry takes over

Kirsty Coventry takes over as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach resigns.

Kirsty Coventry was elected in March 2025, becoming the tenth female IOC President in history. She is an Olympic champion in swimming, the first woman to lead the organisation and the first President from outside Europe and North America.

The previous President Thomas Bach had headed the IOC since 2013, when he was elected at the 125th IOC Plenary Session in Buenos Aires. During his 12-year tenure, he led the Olympic Movement through a period of great change and challenge. At the 144th IOC Plenary Session, held in March 2025 in Greece, Bach was elected Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee.

CMG