The 12th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF) wrapped up its second and final day on 12 June 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, marking another milestone for athlete representation and advocacy. With more than 400 athlete leaders in attendance, the forum featured key discussions on support systems, leadership, and upcoming Olympic Games, ensuring that athlete voices remain at the center of sport governance.
IOC President Thomas Bach’s Final Q&A
The day began with IOC President Thomas Bach, in his final IAF appearance as IOC President, in his traditional dedicated Q&A session, answering questions from the athlete representatives.
The Q&A is always a highlight of the IAF, and this session was particularly special as President Bach prepares to leave his post after 12 years, so was able to reflect on the progress made for athletes during that time, while offering his thoughts on the future.
As usual, no topic was off limits for our athlete representatives. The Q&A was livestreamed on YouTube, ensuring athletes from around the world could tune in. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions on a wide range of topics, reaffirming the importance of open dialogue between athletes and Olympic leadership. In a heartfelt gesture, the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) presented President Bach with a photo album, celebrating his tenure and dedication to promoting the athlete voice.
The most powerful message the President gave the Forum was about the power of sport, and the responsibility that athletes have to harness this.
“Sport is about solidarity, and solidarity means more than respect,” he said. “You can respect someone if they have a different opinion to you, but the step we’re making in sport is from respect to solidarity. You not only respect each other; you help each other.”
The President highlighted surveys after Paris 2024 – a Games edition followed by 5 billion people around the world – that showed 78 per cent of people believe the Games are more important than ever in our divided world.
“You can see that people, in their hearts, are longing for something else,” said President Bach. “Many of them are fed up with this daily hate, daily exclusion, daily arrogance, and therefore we have to stand strong.
“If we stand strong, I’m really convinced that we can contribute to a better world through sport.”
Kirsty Coventry’s Fireside Chat
Following the Q&A, incoming IOC President Kirsty Coventry took the stage for a fireside chat with IOC AC Chair Emma Terho. A former Olympian and former IOC AC Chair, Coventry reflected on her journey, sharing insights on athlete leadership, representation, and the future of sport governance.
“My first memory that I have of the Olympic Games was Barcelona 1992, when I was nine years old,” she recounted. “I remember watching the athletes being given their medals, and they were hugging, crying and smiling, and I said to my parents, ‘I’m going to go to the Olympics and win a gold medal for Zimbabwe.’
“I just did anything and everything I could to ensure that I got to my first Olympic Games, and then to win an Olympic medal for the first time.
“Eventually, I had the tough conversation that we all have with ourselves: when is the right time to step away? That was when I first came into contact with the IOC Athletes’ Commission. I went to my first IAF and found this engaging community that was speaking for us and had a seat at the table.
“Through all of the roles I’ve had and the journey that was taken, there were different lessons learned and different opportunities presented, but I always came back to the athlete mentality.”
Empowering Athlete Representatives
IOC AC members Seyi Smith and Humphrey Kayange led a breakout session dedicated to strengthening athlete representation, offering guidance on effective collaboration, athlete engagement, and partnerships with National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Participants tackled key challenges, focusing on ways to enhance athlete inclusion and involvement in their respective communities.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Olympic Games
As the forum neared its conclusion, five IOC AC members hosted a session outlining preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026, LA28, French Alps 2030, and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. These discussions provided essential insights into competition planning, athlete resources, and the evolving Olympic landscape.
Parallel Sessions on Athlete Well-being and Governance
Athletes also had the opportunity to attend specialized breakout sessions, covering:
✅ Anti-doping
✅ Mental health and athlete well-being
✅ Prevention of competition manipulation
✅ Social media for athlete commissions
✅ Sustainability
IFMA’s Representation: Lennert Swart’s Reflections
IFMA was proudly represented at the IAF 2025 by Athletes’ Commission Chair Lennert Swart, who participated in-person in the forum’s meaningful discussions. Reflecting on the event, Swart shared:
“It was an honour to represent IFMA on such a global platform, and I’m truly grateful for IFMA’s support in making this experience possible.
The forum offered meaningful engagement, insightful dialogue, and powerful connections with athlete representatives and leadership from across the world. I left inspired, equipped, and motivated to continue amplifying the athlete voice and contributing to the work we’re doing together.
I thank IFMA for the trust and continued support. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and put it into action.”
Swart’s participation highlighted Muaythai’s growing influence within the Olympic movement, reinforcing IFMA’s commitment to athlete advocacy and sport integrity.
The Path Forward
With IAF 2025 now concluded, the athlete community moves forward with renewed energy and purpose, ensuring that the conversations held over the past two days translate into tangible progress for athletes worldwide.
