29 May 2024 – IOC President Thomas Bach welcomed the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, to Olympic House on Monday. Amongst those accompanying the Bulgarian head of state was the President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Stefka Kostadinova, high jump champion at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996.

Their visit to Lausanne began with a tour of the Olympic Museum, where some of the exhibits include highlights of Bulgaria’s participation in the Olympic Games, which began in at the inaugural edition of the modern Games in Athens in 1896.

During a private meeting, President Bach and the Bulgarian President discussed the excellent relations that the IOC enjoys with Bulgaria and with the Bulgarian Olympic Committee. President Bach thanked him for his great support and the excellent cooperation that he has always offered the Olympic Movement. They also discussed the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the current geopolitical situation and its impact on sport. After the meeting, President Radev signed the IOC’s “Golden Book” and was presented with the IOC’s Annual Medal.

At a later meeting, the Bulgarian delegation expressed strong interest in hosting a future edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games, something that was very much welcomed by the IOC. The two sides agreed to keep in close contact.