Bach emphasizes "together" in Olympic movement on his visit at Tsinghua University

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach shared his reflections and highlighted "together" in Olympic movement during a lecture at Tsinghua University here on Friday.

This photo taken on Oct. 23, 2025 shows a view of the autumn scenery at the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, capital of China. (File photo: Xinhua)

"We know about the benefits of physical activity for our health and well-being. We know how sport can contribute to education and how sport can teach us to respect rules, others, and ourselves for fair play and for team. We also know how sport strengthens communities and brings people together," he said.

The IOC approved adding "together" into the Olympic motto as "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" at the 138th IOC session in July 2021, which was proposed by Bach to emphasize unity and solidarity.

"A new world order is taking shape in this changing world. People are even longing more to bring us together despite all our differences. They are longing not for hate, aggression and confrontations in their hearts," Bach said. "So, it's a responsibility and a huge opportunity for the movement of the role of sport in society, because sport is a unifying force."

"At the Olympic Games, athletes from all national and regional Olympic committees, and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team come together. They have very different backgrounds, but they are united by the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. There is no discrimination, and everyone respects the same rules at the Games," he added.

Bach took the Olympic Village as an example to show the ties between athletes beyond competitions.

"They live peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village, sharing their meals, experiences and emotions. They also share the same spirit, even without speaking with each other or being able to speak with each other," he said.

In 2025, Bach was named Honorary President for Life by the IOC. He stepped down as president in June of that year, having served in the role since 2013.

During his lecture on Friday, the 72-year-old German hailed China's contribution to the Olympic movement over decades.

"I've seen China write Olympic history with the Olympic Games. Beijing 2008 Olympics, Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics, and the truly exceptional Beijing Olympic Winter Games in 2022," said Bach.

"Chinese athletes inspired millions of people. China's ambitious goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports has become reality, which helps to develop tourism and entire regions. The country has opened a new world of opportunity for global winter sports," he noted.

The Honorary President for Life also encouraged the younger generations to keep their passion alive.

"When it comes to sport, life and education, the most important is to enjoy. Sports has the great advantage that, in sport, you are learning things without realizing you learn them. That's why I'm saying enjoy yourself and live your passion in everything you do," said Bach.