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≡ 145th IOC SESSION ≡
“The world is changing faster than ever. Expectations of us are changing too. The needs of athletes, partners and fans are evolving – and so must we. That’s what our Fit for the Future process is all about.”
Change was an important theme as International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry (ITA) opened the first business day of the 145th IOC Session in Milan (ITA). She signaled that changes are not only coming, but must be coming. From her remarks:
● “As we set the course for our future, we will face difficult decisions and conversations. That’s part of change. Not everyone will agree on every issue — and that’s okay. What matters is that we all work toward what is best for the Olympic Movement as a whole, not for individual or short-term interests.”
● “If we want to stay strong, we have to push our own boundaries. We have to be honest about what works and sometimes, more importantly, what doesn’t. And when we make mistakes, we need the courage to say: we’ll do better next time.”
● “We have to make sure the Games remain inspiring for young people everywhere – that they reflect their values, their sense of authenticity, and their search for something genuine.
“This means finding the right balance between tradition and innovation, between stability and flexibility. It means we have to look at our sports, disciplines and events, with fresh eyes – to make sure that we are evolving with our times. And we must recognise that any evolution will affect all of us: athletes, federations, NOCs, organisers, fans and others.
“Through Fit for the Future, we are creating the space to have these conversations openly and respectfully, to listen to every voice, and to make decisions that serve the long-term interests of the Games as a whole. I know these discussions can be, and potentially will be, uncomfortable, but they are essential if we want to keep the Games strong for generations to come.”
● “I know change isn’t always easy. As every athlete knows, evolving, growing and pushing the limits can feel uncomfortable at first. But I also know how deeply everyone here cares about the future of our Movement. I’ve seen the team spirit, the passion, and the sense of purpose that drive you – that drive us all. That’s what will carry us forward as we evolve together and strengthen the organisation we love so much.”
Coventry, who was previously a government minister in her native Zimbabwe, also emphasized what the IOC is not:
“We are a sports organisation. We understand politics, and we know we don’t operate in a vacuum.
“But our game is sport.
“That means keeping sport a neutral ground — a place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments. In a world that is increasingly divided, this principle matters more than ever. It is what allows the Olympic Games to remain a place of inspiration, where the athletes of the world can come together and showcase the best of our humanity.
“But this also means focusing on what we do best. We cannot be all things to all people. The Olympic Games, and the values they represent, are our greatest asset. Of course, sport plays a wider role in health, inclusion, and education — and we will continue to support this. But our first responsibility is to keep the Games strong and meaningful, so that they remain a source of hope and inspiration for generations to come. That’s where our strength lies. That’s what makes us different. And that’s what the world needs from us.”
Coventry promised in her election campaign to help energize all of the IOC members and noted:
“As we move forward, I want us to build on that strength — to make sure every Member has the opportunity to contribute fully, and to help shape our future together. Being an IOC Member today is about more than a title. It’s about bringing your experience, your passion, and your voice to the table — staying close to the athletes, to sport, and to society. It’s about being an advocate for the power of sport as a force for good in our lives, and helping our Movement evolve while staying true to its values.”
Observed: Taken on its face, her comments rang the bell to re-examine the Olympic “sports, disciplines and events, with fresh eyes.”
That should send a shiver down the spine of every International Federation chief – many of whom were in the room – whose sports survive essentially on the quadrennial Olympic television rights share from the IOC. Should the Olympic Games include sports which really cannot support themselves without IOC funding?
She also signaled the coming re-integration of Russia and Belarus, to make sport “a place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments.” This will come only in stages, as Russia continues its war against Ukraine without pause, and also means that any sanctions effort against Israel for its retaliation against the 7 October 2023 invasion by Gaza’s Hamas government, are unlikely to receive any support.
Further, Coventry’s comment also indicate that the inexhaustible efforts of now-Honorary President Thomas Bach (GER) to forge ties with other international organizations, especially those related to the United Nations, will be relaxed a bit, at least for now.
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