International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, accompanied by a delegation of IOC officials, visited the Beijing Olympic Museum on February 20. They were welcomed by Beijing's Vice Mayor Sima Hong and senior representatives from the Beijing Olympic City Development Association.

IOC President Thomas Bach visits a gallery at the Beijing Olympic Museum.

IOC President Thomas Bach visits the Beijing Olympic Museum.

IOC President Thomas Bach listens to information about items at the Beijing Olympic Museum in China.

IOC President Thomas Bach signs the Beijing Olympics torch at the Beijing Olympic Museum.

Nestled in the southern end of Beijing's iconic National Stadium, the "Bird's Nest," the museum is a permanent tribute to the Olympic Games. Covering an expansive 26,000 square meters, it is a lasting legacy of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, immersing visitors in the city's profound connection to the Olympic movement.

Bach took a trip down memory lane during his visit, reminiscing about his experiences working closely with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As he stood before models of the Olympic venues, he recalled the events in each arena and the excitement that came with them. When the highlight video of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics played, Bach showed his appreciation as cherished memories came flooding back.

IOC President Thomas Bach watches a highlight video of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing Olympic Museum in China.

"It's great to be back here in the Olympic Museum and to revive so many fond memories of Beijing 2022 and also Beijing 2008. These were two truly exceptional Olympic Games China offered to the world. Here, you can feel this spirit in this museum because it brings all these memories to life. It brings the Olympic spirit to life. And you can see how it is inspiring the young generation but also the older generation like me."

IOC President Thomas Bach answers questions from CMG during a visit to the Beijing Olympic Museum.

"Beijing can be very proud of being the one and only city of having organized Olympic Winter Games and Summer Games," Back said.

The timing of the visit also aligned with a group of students participating in an Olympic-themed study program. Bach asked the students about their favorite sports and encouraged them to pursue their passions. For many of the students, this brief but impactful exchange could mark the beginning of a lifelong journey into the Olympic movement.

IOC President Thomas Bach chats with students in Beijing about their sports interests.

Bach joined the students in a lively virtual sports game in the museum's interactive game zone, enthusiastically participating in a table tennis simulation powered by motion sensors.

As the visit came to a close, Bach left a heartfelt message for both the Olympic Museum and the city of Beijing. "Thank you very much to the Beijing Olympic Museum for keeping the Olympic spirit alive and inspiring all generations of Chinese people," he wrote, a fitting tribute to a city that continues to celebrate and elevate the Olympic legacy.

IOC President Thomas Bach leaves a heartfelt message at the end of his visit to the Beijing Olympic Museum in China.

(Source: CGTN)