Former IOC President Thomas Bach awarded honorary doctorate by HUSS
The Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has awarded an honorary doctorate to Thomas Bach, the recently retired President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The ceremony took place in the university’s Athén Lecture Hall on August 20, marking a highlight of the university’s centennial celebrations. Mr. Bach, who served as IOC President from 2013 to 2025, is now IOC’s Honorary President.
The former elite athlete, Bach won a team foil gold medal at the 1976 Melbourne Olympics and held a world championship title, exemplifying values such as discipline, teamwork, and integrity throughout his career. As IOC President, he guided significant reforms, emphasizing ethics, sustainability, and sport’s social role. In recognition of his achievements, he also received the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit from President Tamás Sulyok at Sándor Palace on Tuesday.
The event on Wednesday was attended by prominent diplomats, sports officials, and Olympic delegates, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB) President Zsolt Gyulay, IOC’s Hungarian member Balázs Fürjes, and other international representatives. Bach was accompanied by his wife, Claudia Bach. HUSS was represented by Rector Professor Tamás Sterbenz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Professor Honoris Causa Lajos Mocsai, as well as HUSS’s vice rectors.
Former IOC President Thomas Bach awarded honorary doctorate by HUSS
In his welcoming speech, Mocsai highlighted Bach’s dual legacy as an outstanding athlete and influential sports leader, noting that his Olympic gold medal symbolizes lifelong values of excellence, respect, and responsibility. Minister Szijjártó praised Bach’s efforts to uphold the Olympic ideals amid global geopolitical challenges, emphasizing his commitment to unity, friendship, and fair play in sport. Rector Sterbenz underscored that Bach met all criteria for the honorary doctorate, reflecting his outstanding contributions to sport science, leadership, and public life.
During his speech, Bach expressed deep gratitude and pride, noting the honour of joining HUSS, an institution with a rich sports legacy, and seeing his name alongside other legendary sports leaders such as Kenneth H. Cooper, Lord Sebastian Coe, Juan Antonio Samaranch, and Jacques Rogge.
Former IOC President Thomas Bach awarded honorary doctorate by HUSS
“It fills me with pride—and at the same time it is very touching—to be among you, in a country with a commendable Olympic tradition and remarkable achievements. I have been awarded the title of honorary doctor by a higher education institution that is respected both in the international sports community and in sports science, and which possesses a significant sporting heritage. My name now takes its rightful place on your marble plaque, alongside distinguished sports leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Olympic movement,” said Thomas Bach.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a marble plaque in Athén Hall bearing his name, followed by a viewing the centennial Olympic montage. Bach’s recognition reinforces HUSS’s global prestige and commitment to the Olympic ideals, excellence in sports, and international sports diplomacy for the next century.
21 Aug 2025