IOC awards Olympic Order to Jan Dijkema, former President of the International Skating Union, for his contribution to sport

The former President of the International Skating Union (ISU), Jan Dijkema, enjoyed a long and successful career as a politician in his native Netherlands before exchanging politics for ice skating, eventually becoming President of the ISU from 2016 to 2022.

Among Dijkema’s achievements at the helm of ISU, President Bach highlighted his skill at guiding the skating community through the global pandemic. He also commended him for increasing the appeal of skating through the introduction of new formats and disciplines, as well as developing more talented skaters in more countries through the innovative ISU Centres of Innovation. Thanks to his initiative too, Dijkema has contributed to broadening the skating fan-base by reaching new audiences through digital channels. He particularly commended him for putting athletes at the centre through the ISU Athletes Commission and implementing safeguarding mechanisms for athletes.

Presenting him with the Order, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “When you took over the ISU presidency… you knew that you had big skates to fill. But just like the athletes, you rose to the challenge. The strong foundation and Olympic success that you inherited at the ISU did not make you complacent. On the contrary. Under your leadership you kept modernising the ISU and developing your sport. You put skating on a path for the future with a steady hand, with vision and determination… you made the great sport of skating fit for the future. And this is something that you can be very proud of, especially in this challenging landscape.”

Concluding the presentation, President Bach explained: “it is my special privilege today, to honour your dedication… to sport and the values it stands for”.

The Olympic Order is  the highest award of the IOC, given for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.