European Olympic Committees’ (EOC) Executive Committee Ex-Officio Member Andrzej Krasnicki has been awarded the Olympic Order, the highest award of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Order is awarded to individuals who have given distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement and comes shortly after Mr Krasnicki was the recipient of the EOC Order of Merit at the 52nd EOC General Assembly in Istanbul.
IOC President Thomas Bach presented the former Polish National Olympic Committee (NOC) President with his award at the IOC Session in Mumbai and praised the impact he has had on Polish sport during a distinguished career, noting the successful hosting of the European Games in Krakow and the Malopolska region of Poland earlier this year.
President Bach said: “The strong standing of Polish sport in the world today is the result of a long journey of modernisation. The person who took this modernisation to new heights is Andrzej Krasnicki – a highly respected leader.
“Highly respected by the athletes, the Olympic community in Poland but also highly respected by the world of politics, business and culture in his country, he put all these great relationships at the service of sport in his country.
“It was under his leadership – and thanks to the respect that he also enjoyed at the European level – that the European Games were awarded to Poland.”
Mr Krasnicki was President of the Polish NOC between 2010 and 2023, played an instrumental role in their hosting of the European Games and EOC President Spyros Capralos thanked him for his continued contribution to the European Olympic family.
President Capralos said: “The awarding of these two prestigious awards to Mr Krasnicki highlight the incredible impact he has had on the Olympic Movement both in Poland and outside of the country. The third edition of the European Games were a huge success thanks to his efforts and he has been a valuable voice on our Executive Committee.”
Olympic Orders were also presented to Beatrice Allen (Gambia), Craig Reedie (Great Britain) and Chang Ung (North Korea) during the Session.
