Thomas Bach passes Olympic key to Kirsty Coventry
Lausanne, Switzerland — Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was officially handed the Olympic key on Monday by outgoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during a ceremonial transition at Olympic House, marking the start of her eight-year term as IOC president.
The event, which coincided with Olympic Day 2025, featured remarks from IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper and was attended by Swiss Federal Council members, international federation leaders, IOC members, honorary members and Olympians.
A video tribute highlighted Bach’s 12-year leadership, celebrating his contributions including the launch of the Refugee Olympic Team and the addition of “together” to the Olympic motto. In an emotional farewell, Bach expressed gratitude to IOC members and the Olympic community, saying, “Today is a day of gratitude, confidence, and joy.” He was named Honorary President for life.
Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist and former Zimbabwean sports minister, becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC. She praised Bach’s leadership and pledged to uphold Olympic values, with a focus on unity and inclusivity.
In her speech, she recounted a metaphor from her six-year-old daughter about the strength and fragility of a spiderweb, relating it to the Olympic movement’s need for cohesion. “Our movement is complex, beautiful, and strong. But it only works if we work together and remain united,” Coventry said.
She also paid tribute to her parents, who were in the audience, recalling their sacrifices, including fundraising through cake sales and burgers. “Who would have imagined that countless cake sales and thousands of burgers sold could lead to this incredible moment?” she said.
Coventry awarded Bach the Olympic Order in Gold as her first official act, symbolizing continuity and appreciation. The ceremony concluded with a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” performed by musicians from Switzerland, France, Cameroon and Senegal, echoing the Olympic ideals of peace and unity.
