The Winter Olympic Federations (WOF) held their 2025 General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, 2025. This annual gathering brought together the leaders of the international federations that govern winter sports featured on the Olympic programme. The meeting focused on strategic developments, Olympic Games planning, and the future of winter sport, and included interactions with IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry as well as the outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach. The official IOC President Handover Ceremony took place a few days later in Laussane.

IOC President Handover Ceremony

On Olympic Day, celebrated annually on 23 June to mark the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894 at the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Thomas Bach symbolically handed over the key to Olympic House to Kirsty Coventry - from one Olympic champion to another in a moment rich with historical significance.

During the 144th IOC Session held this March in Olympia, Greece, Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe (2004, 2008), was elected as the 10th IOC President. Her election marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman and the first African to assume the IOC’s highest office, with an eight-year term ahead.

IBU President Olle Dahlin said

"It was my pleasure to attend the IOC Handover Ceremony in Lausanne on behalf of the biathlon family. Dr. Thomas Bach, as IOC President, has always been a close friend to the IBU. He supported our federation during our most difficult period and was there as we emerged into the progressive, innovative, and robust organization we are today.

During his presidency, he navigated the Olympic Movement through unprecedented challenges. We are grateful for his leadership, and it was fitting to see his contributions recognized at the handover ceremony. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we have every confidence that President Coventry will build upon this strong foundation as she leads the Olympic Movement into an exciting new future."