The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, visited the Olympic Swimming Pool in the centre of Athens, which is undergoing a complete reconstruction initiative led by the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) with the support of the National Bank of Greece, as part of her visit to Athens.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry was welcomed by the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, who provided her with a detailed briefing on the progress of the extensive renovation works at the historic swimming facility. The pool had remained closed for more than 14 years and is expected to be returned to the sporting community and the citizens of Athens before the summer of 2027.

During the visit, Kirsty Coventry had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Kyriakos Giannopoulos, the world-class artistic swimmers Anna Maria, Eirini and Vasiliki Alexandri, as well as international water polo player Eleni Xenaki. Also present were the President of the European Olympic Committees and IOC Member, Spyros Capralos, HOC Plenary Member and Head of Swimming Nikos Xylouris, and the President of the Hellenic Olympians Association (ESOA), Voula Kozompoli.

The IOC President also held a warm discussion with Ioannis Kyriakopoulos, General Manager of Real Estate at the National Bank of Greece, and Dimitra Gkountoufa, Assistant General Manager for Strategy & Sustainable Development at the National Bank of Greece.

The IOC President expressed her enthusiasm for the project currently underway, emphasizing its importance for future generations of athletes and citizens.

“I think it will become an iconic swimming pool. It was truly wonderful to see it in person and hear the stories of how this pool brought the local community together many years ago, how people from the area had the opportunity to learn how to swim, participate in sports and enjoy recreational activities. Now, the investment being made with the support of the National Bank of Greece is truly remarkable, as it will allow many more generations to enjoy this facility and learn to swim.

In fact, I asked: ‘When are you opening?’ because the next time I am here, I will come and swim, just so I can say that I swam in this pool and was inspired by its history and spirit as well,” said Kirsty Coventry.

For his part, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, stated: “I am particularly pleased that the IOC President had the opportunity to visit the Olympic Swimming Pool in the centre of Athens and witness first-hand the progress of a project that is a priority for the Hellenic Olympic Committee. With the significant support of the National Bank of Greece, we are bringing back to life a historic sports facility that will once again provide opportunities for sport, education and the development of aquatic sports for future generations. Mrs. Coventry’s highly positive comments fill us with optimism and reaffirm the importance of this project for Greek sport.”