Overview

• Thomas Bach concluded his 12-year presidency in Lausanne with a ceremonial handover and has been named Honorary President for life
• Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC
• She has pledged to restore broader voting rights for IOC members and foster greater inclusion within the organization’s governance
• Under Bach the IOC secured multibillion-dollar media and sponsorship contracts extending into the next decade
• Coventry faces swift decisions on transgender athlete standards and Russia’s status, alongside negotiations over logistics and security for Los Angeles 2028 under President Trump’s administration