Our institute is pleased to announce, in collaboration with several co-editors from the Olympic Studies Centre at the DSHS and the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport in Magglingen, the publication of a volume in the educationally oriented UTB series “Just Ask!” In a systematic question-and-answer format, the book covers the ancient origins of the Olympic Games, the development of the modern Olympic Movement, the structures and functions of the IOC, the role of athletes, as well as the Paralympics and Youth Olympic Games. A concluding chapter is dedicated to the current challenges facing the Olympic Movement. The volume is aimed in particular at educators, students of sports science, and anyone who wishes to engage with the Olympic system in a way that is both academically sound and accessible. Our institute sees this work as an opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. Full details about the publication can be found here: https://www.utb.de/doi/book/10.36198/9783838564715

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS) hosted a special dual event: the graduation ceremony for graduates of the M.A. in Olympic Studies and the official opening of the program’s 10th cohort. The evening was opened by the Rector of the German Sport University Cologne, Prof. Ansgar Thiel, who highlighted the programme’s significance for the university and offered his best wishes to both the graduates and the new students. Prof. Stephan Wassong, Director of the program, then welcomed the guests in attendance, the 11 graduates who had traveled to the event, and the 32 new students. In his address, he underscored the program’s international diversity and highlighted how closely the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of a new one are intertwined in this celebration. Following the speeches, the Rector presented the diplomas. A special highlight was provided by Mr. Francesco Ricci Bitti, Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Honorary Life President of the International Tennis Federation, who awarded medals to the graduates. A video message from Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, Executive Board Member of the IOC, added another festive touch. She warmly congratulated the graduates and welcomed the new students. The evening concluded with a festive dinner, where graduates, new students, and guests mingled in a convivial atmosphere, celebrating both past achievements and the start of a new chapter together.

At the invitation of the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), Prof. Wassong delivered a lecture at the distinguished club on 3 June, focusing on Pierre de Coubertin's visits to the NYAC in 1889 and 1893, as well as the founding and development of the Olympic Movement. The lecture concluded with remarks on the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles in 1932, 1984, and 2028. Following a panel discussion, Prof. Wassong (in his capacity as Director of the Olympic Studies Centre of the German Sport University Cologne and President of the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee) presented the traditional bust of Coubertin to James Hirschlein (Chairman, NYAC) and Antony La Sala (Athletic Chairman, NYAC). The following day brought further stimulating discussions about future projects. The NYAC representatives expressed particular interest in the M.A. Olympic Studies programme, which Prof. Wassong outlined in detail. He noted that it was especially gratifying to see that the NYAC values the M.A. Olympic Studies and its distinctive structure as an effective programme for advanced higher education. This recognition carries considerable weight, given that the NYAC is one of the most distinguished sports clubs in the United States, with a remarkable Olympic legacy. Since the inaugural Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, NYAC members have excelled in Olympic competition — most notably in athletics, swimming, water polo, and fencing. To date, 321 NYAC athletes have been awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, with the club also having claimed 11 medals at the Paralympic Games.

Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 1975 widmet sich das CIPC der Erforschung und Förderung des Olympismus, der olympischen Erziehung und des Vermächtnisses von Pierre de Coubertin, dem Begründer der modernen Olympischen Spiele, um sicherzustellen, dass seine Ideen und seine Arbeit weiterhin inspirieren. Das CIPC wurde von IOC-Präsident Thomas Bach mit einer Auszeichnung für seine Arbeit geehrt. Stephan Wassong, Leiter des Instituts für Sportgeschichte an der Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln und seit 2018 Präsident des CIPC, nahm die Auszeichnung im Namen des Komitees entgegen. Er wurde auch persönlich für seine individuellen Beiträge gewürdigt. Unter den CIPC-Mitgliedern sind viele Alumni des Masterstudiengangs M.A. Olympic Studies. In seiner Rede hob Prof. Wassong die entscheidende Rolle der Absolventen des berufsbegleitenden Studiengangs bei der Organisation der Veranstaltung hervor, sowohl als Organisatoren als auch als Vorsitzende von Arbeitsgruppen.

From 3 to 5 November 2025 the IOC organised and hosted the IOC Fit for the Future Consultation Commission Event at the Olympic House. It has been a remarkable and constructive initiative which encouraged members of IOC Commissions to develop relevant working fields on the head topics Athletes, Olympic Games, Olympic Movement, Better World Through Sport, and Reach – Engagement and Revenue Generation. On the occasion of this consultation project Stephan Wassong has been delighted to meet graduates from the M.A. Olympic Studies. All of them participated in various professional functions and responsibilities in the organization and delivery of the event. The graduates represented members of the IOC (Damaris Young), employees of the IOC Athletes` Department (Olya Abasolo) , members of the IOC Athletes` Commission (Isabella Swan as President of the PANAM Sports Athlete Commission), the Athletes` Entourage Commission (Damaris Young), Olympic Education Commission (Stephan Wassong), and Digital Engagement and Marketing Communications Commission (Cathelina Belrose). The professional engagement of the programme’s graduates within the Olympic environment reflects the effectiveness of the study programme, which enables participants to pursue further academic development while maintaining their professional responsibilities. As Director of the IOC-supported programme, Stephan Wassong has been pleased to observe its ongoing success. He had the opportunity to discuss these achievements with Mr. Christophe De Kepper, Director General of the IOC, during a personal meeting on 3 November.

From 5–8 October 2025, Marloes Ekkelboom, research associate and PhD candidate at the Institute for Sport History, participated in the Play the Game Conference in Tampere, Finland. The conference brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from across the world of sport including researchers, representatives of sport federations, human rights organizations, journalists, and athletes to discuss how sport can become more democratic and safer for everyone. Beyond its impressive range of participants, Play the Game stood out as a space for honest and constructive dialogue, a rare opportunity to connect critical perspectives and explore how values like democracy, integrity, and human rights can be translated into practice in sport. As part of the programme, Marloes presented her research titled “Framing Dissent: A Comparative Media Analysis of Athlete Activism in Germany and the United States.” Her presentation explored how athlete activism is represented and interpreted within national media discourses, and how these portrayals reflect broader cultural and political contexts. By comparing German and U.S. media coverage, the research highlights how different framing traditions shape the public understanding of activism in sport. The conference also offered a great chance to meet colleagues from around the world. A particular highlight was reconnecting with Rita Pires, a former MA Olympic Studies student and alumna, and exchanging experiences and ideas across academic and professional boundaries.

The 9th intake of the MA Olympic Studies has successfully completed their last on-site module, International Relations . During this final academic session, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and global politics — an area that continues to shape the Olympic Movement and international sport today. We warmly thank all participants for their contributions and commitment throughout the program and wish them success as they now turn to their essays and thesis projects.

We are happy to highlight and feature a historic collaboration between Panathlon International, the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), the International Society of Olympic Historians (ISOH) and the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CIPC). As part of this collaboration, the CIPC will lead a panel discussion on February 12, 2026, at Palazzo Lombardia in Milano titled "Sparks of Olympism: Igniting the Future with Coubertin, AI, and Olympic Values Education." The panel will feature speakers like Prof. Dr. Stephan Wassong and Hilla Davidov. This initiative is aligned with the four organisations` mission: to perpetuate and disseminate the intellectual legacy of Pierre de Coubertin while translating his educational principles into today’s context.

Dr. Hilla Davidov, a graduate of the M.A. Olympic Studies programme was invited to deliver a keynote lecture at the 18th International Session for National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees Delegates, hosted by the International Olympic Academy in Olympia. In her lecture, "AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Olympic Education - Bridging Tradition with Innovation", she addressed an international audience of 150 delegates from five continents. The presentation explored how artificial intelligence can support the evolution of Olympic Education by providing new tools for personalization, inclusivity, and engagement, while maintaining the core values and traditions of the Olympic Movement. Drawing on her academic training in the M.A. OLympic Studies programme and practical experience in Olympic Education and Leadership, the lecture sparked a lively Q&A session and contributed to a broader dialogue on the future of Olympic Education in an increasingly digital world. The Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne appreciates this valuable contribution and is pleased to see its alumni actively involved in promoting Olympic education and values-based leadership on a global scale.

We are excited to announce the acceptance of 40 outstanding individuals into the 10th intake of the M.A. Olympic Studies Programme. 10 of the participants have been awarded a scholarship, thanks to the generous support of Olympic Solidarity. Our new cohort comes from 30 different countries and nationalities, including two newly represented nations, reflecting the global reach and diversity of the Olympic Community. A heartfelt thank you to Olympic Solidarity; their support goes beyond education as it empowers current and future sport leaders and administrators to contribute meaningfully to the Olympic Movement. Congratulations to the selected participants and we look forward to starting the 10th intake in Cologne in the end of September. Photo credit: Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln