The race for the next IOC presidency is on, with seven prominent sports figures declaring their intentions to succeed Thomas Bach. Bach, an Olympic gold medalist in fencing, will step down next year after 12 years at the helm.
Among the candidates are two former Olympic champions: Great Britain’s Sebastian Coe and Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry. Coe, a two-time gold medalist in the 1,500 meters and current president of World Athletics, brings vast experience in sports leadership. Coventry, also a two-time gold medalist in swimming, has served on the IOC Executive Board and as Minister of Sport in her home country.
Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, an IOC Executive Board member, joins Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, whose father served as IOC President for 21 years. Samaranch Jr, an investment banker and current IOC vice president, has been involved with the organization since 2001.
David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and France’s national Olympic body, is also vying for the position. His recent involvement in securing the 2030 Winter Games for the French Alps and establishing a long-term e-sports partnership with Saudi Arabia highlights his influence in the sports world.
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Morinari Watanabe, president of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), and Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), round out the list of candidates. Eliasch, who owns the Head sports brand, was elected to the IOC just two months ago.
The new president will face major decisions, including selecting the host city for the 2036 Olympic Games and addressing the impact of climate change on global sport. They will also oversee preparations for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles and Brisbane, while navigating the renewal of key broadcasting contracts.
Campaigning for the IOC presidency is a discreet process. Candidates are expected to publish manifestos, but are restricted from public endorsements and debates. The election will be held in March, with votes cast by the IOC’s 111 members.
