The 12th edition of the International Athletes’ Forum (IAF), hosted by the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC), brought together over 400 athlete representatives from more than 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), 54 International Federations (IFs), and organizations such as WADA and the International Paralympic Committee. The two-day event held in the Olympic Capital, Lausanne, emerged as a powerful platform to discuss key athlete-centered issues including mental health, anti-doping, safe sport, and the global promotion of Olympic values.
IOC President Thomas Bach Delivers Emotional Farewell
Marking his final appearance at the IAF as IOC President, Thomas Bach received a heartfelt farewell from the athlete community. A former Olympic fencing champion and a founding member of the first IOC Athletes’ Commission in 1981, Bach emphasized the unifying power of sport in a divided world.
“Sport is about unifying, about solidarity. We are standing against hate, division, and growing inequalities,” Bach stated. “Athletes are the living examples of peace and respect.”
A touching tribute video and a standing ovation from over 400 delegates encapsulated the emotional goodbye, reflecting Bach’s decades-long contribution to athlete empowerment.
Kirsty Coventry: A New Chapter for Athlete Advocacy
Also attending was IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion and former IOC AC Chair. Coventry highlighted the evolving role of athletes as global ambassadors and community leaders.
“We are all role models. Through the Olympic Games, we can empower athletes to inspire and uplift their communities,” she noted.
She called for a renewed focus on promoting Olympic values of friendship, excellence, and respect, urging athletes to lead by example both on and off the field.
Empowering Athletes Through Dialogue and Support
The Forum’s structure enabled athlete representatives to exchange ideas, share experiences, and voice their concerns on pressing matters including:
Mental Health and Career Transition
Breakout sessions covered essential resources for athlete well-being, especially around mental health support, career transitions, and life after sport.
Financial Support Through Olympic Solidarity
Participants were reminded of the NOC AC Activity Grant — a $10,000 annual fund aimed at supporting athlete-driven initiatives. In 2024 alone, over 100 NOCs utilized this funding. Several nations presented best-practice examples of how the grants empowered grassroots athletes.
Athlete Representation and AC Effectiveness
A focused panel discussion on effective athletes’ commissions (ACs) delivered five impactful case studies, encouraging peer-to-peer learning. Further sessions trained AC members on maintaining healthy relationships with their NOCs and developing transparent athlete feedback systems.
Digital Empowerment Through Social Media
Athletes were also trained by social media experts on maximizing digital presence. Sessions included strategies for monetizing content, engaging communities, and using digital platforms to champion causes.
Standing Against Doping and the Enhanced Games
One of the most applauded moments was a joint statement by the IOC AC and the WADA Athlete Council condemning the so-called “Enhanced Games,” labeling them as “a betrayal of everything that we stand for.” The statement underscored the Forum’s united front in preserving clean sport and the integrity of competition.
Athletes’ Declaration and Rights Implementation
A key takeaway from the 2025 Forum was the emphasis on implementing the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration. A detailed implementation guide was distributed, offering practical recommendations for integrating the declaration into national and international ACs.
Athletes were also upskilled on safeguarding against competition manipulation, promoting sustainability in sport, and understanding evolving anti-doping regulations.
Emma Terho: “This Forum Was a Great Inspiration”
Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Emma Terho, highlighted the Forum’s critical role in amplifying athlete voices:
“This year’s main takeaways emphasized the importance of athlete support—individually and institutionally. It’s about helping athletes use their platforms for meaningful change.”
She praised the record attendance and called it a “hugely important engagement opportunity” that will guide the IOC AC’s strategies in the years ahead.
A Forum That Moves the Needle on Athlete Empowerment
The International Athletes’ Forum 2025 didn’t just mark a gathering — it became a call to action, inspiring athletes from every corner of the globe to embrace their roles as leaders, advocates, and change-makers.
From fostering global solidarity to promoting integrity in sport, the Forum reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to athlete-first governance. As the Olympic Movement enters a new era under Kirsty Coventry, athletes are not just participating — they are leading the way.
