The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne welcomed a very special ceremony on Thursday 27th August, bringing together a remarkable number of Olympic judoka and International Judo Federation officials. Gathered in Switzerland for the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026, they came to add their signatures to the Olympians Wall.
The delegation was an impressive one, undoubtedly the largest group of judoka ever welcomed at Olympic House for this symbolic and deeply moving occasion.
The Olympians Wall brings together athletes from every sport who have taken part in either the summer or winter Olympic Games. To sign it is far more than a gesture. It is to affirm one’s place within the Olympic family, to acknowledge a journey defined by commitment and excellence, and to contribute to the enduring influence of the values carried by sport.
Led by IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, the delegation was warmly received at Olympic House.
Judo was particularly well represented. Former Olympians stood alongside athletes who remain active today, some already carrying Olympic experience and others still building their path towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Several of them will compete this weekend at the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026.
Led by IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, the delegation was warmly received at Olympic House, the IOC headquarters inaugurated in 2019. The building itself reflects the Olympic Movement’s commitment to symbolism, sustainability and flexibility.
Addressing the Olympians, Mr Vizer said, “It is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity to be here. We are proud to share the Olympic values and to work every day to develop and defend them. Thank you for your dedication. You will always be remembered in our sport and I am grateful to the IOC for this exceptional occasion.”
From left to right, Marius Vizer, Pierre Ducrey and Christophe De Kepper.
IOC Director General Mr Christophe De Kepper welcomed the group warmly, saying, “Dear President Vizer, dear Marius, over the years you have transformed judo. I would like to praise your work in bringing it to the very highest level, something symbolised today by such an important delegation.”
IOC Sports Director Mr Pierre Ducrey added, “To welcome so many distinguished guests, while Lausanne is hosting an Olympic judo qualification event, is fantastic. Never before have so many people signed the wall at the same time. This is the house of Olympians. I wish everyone the very best of luck.”
For Lucie Decosse of France, three-time world champion and an Olympic champion, the moment reached beyond the sport she loves, “It is an honour. We do not often experience moments like this, where we are recognised beyond judo itself. This is the international home of all sports.”
Georgia’s Varlam Liparteliani, Olympic medallist, also felt the emotion of the occasion. “It was a very special feeling. For judoka and for all athletes, the Olympic Games is the most important event. I want to thank Marius Vizer and the IOC for this moment. It is an amazing feeling, just like being in competition.”
Mohamed Meridja, IJF Education and Coaching Director and an Olympian at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, said, “It is an honour for athletes who have marked the history of the Olympic Games. To see so many great champions adding their signatures here at the IOC is truly wonderful.”
There was indeed a unique atmosphere at Olympic House that morning. Athletes who had once faced each other on the tatami and who have since become coaches or sporting leaders but beyond anything who have become friends, stood alongside competitors whose Olympic dream is still unfolding.
For a few moments, generations came together around the shared values of Olympism, sport and judo, in a communion that only sport can create.
