Jean Todt, former Formula 1 team boss and former boss of the world motorsport association FIA, received the Olympic medal in Lausanne.
The 76-year-old Frenchman, today FIA Honorary President, received the award from IOC boss Thomas Bach.
“Motorsport has always been her passion. First as a rally driver, later as a manager who led legendary racing teams to ever greater success,” said Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.
The Olympic Order is the IOC’s highest honor for individuals and is given to individuals “who have upheld the Olympic values through contributions to the development of sport or the Olympic Movement”.
During his FIA presidency, the Frenchman Todt “focused on strengthening the sustainability of motorsport” and contributed to the “promotion of diversity and inclusion”, said Bach.
There is a cooperation between the IOC and FIA, the road safety campaign #3500Lives. According to Bach, Todt, who, as Ferrari team boss, together with Michael Schumacher, ensured the Scuderia’s most successful Formula 1 era, had the idea.