The seven candidates hoping to succeed outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach presented their key ideas to over 100 voters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, ahead of the election on 20 March in Athens, Greece.
Each candidate had 15 minutes to speak, with the event not being broadcast and only open to IOC members. They outlined their main objectives briefly and answered questions from reporters afterward.
Among the candidates were two Olympic gold medalists, Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr (son of a former IOC president), and Jordanian royal Prince Feisal al Hussein. Four candidates are currently heads of Olympic sports organisations: Johan Eliasch (skiing), David Lappartient (cycling), and Morinari Watanabe (gymnastics). Coe, who leads World Athletics and organised the 2012 London Olympics, is widely seen as the most qualified candidate.
Three candidates currently serve on the IOC executive board: Samaranch Jr, Prince Feisal, and Coventry. Coventry, Zimbabwe’s 41-year-old sports minister, would make history as the first woman to lead the Olympic movement in its 130-year history. She is also believed to be Bach’s favoured successor.
Prince Feisal, dressed in a smart outfit, was the first to speak to the media in Lausanne. He began by expressing his condolences for the victims of a recent air tragedy in Washington. He then discussed his vision, highlighting three key areas: inspiring imagination, ensuring integrity, and promoting inclusion.
When asked if his experience working with heads of state would be an advantage, he said, “Absolutely, I’ve learned how to work with people. At the end of the day, everyone is human, and finding common ground is key.” He also mentioned the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the challenges it faces, but praised the organisation’s work and stressed the importance of clean sports. He also expressed hope that boxing could return to the Olympics by 2028, despite current challenges.
Lappartient, speaking next, expressed his desire for the Olympics to be hosted in Africa, pointing out that Africa has never had the Games, despite having exceptional athletes. He mentioned that Africa will host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal and other major events, adding that Africa “deserves the Olympic Games.”
Eliasch, who was late for the Q&A, highlighted his background in leading multinational companies and his experience in various sectors, including business, sport, and technology. He also spoke about his work on climate action and his leadership of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
Samaranch, the fourth candidate, said he felt good after his presentation, but that it was up to the IOC members to decide if he had made the right impression. He also proposed a new bidding system for host cities and emphasised the importance of leadership, citing his 25 years of experience in the Olympic movement and in finance.
Coventry, relaxed and cheerful, highlighted the strong bond among the candidates as fellow athletes. She stressed the importance of supporting athletes financially before they reach the Olympics, as she recalled the challenges of securing sponsorship before winning her first medal.
Coe, the fifth candidate, made a light-hearted comment about Britain’s former prime ministers before getting straight to his main message: the opportunity to build a new and successful future for the Olympic movement.
Watanabe, the final candidate, suggested making the Games more inclusive and globally accessible by holding the Olympics on five continents simultaneously. He also proposed reducing the financial burden on host countries by offering the best conditions for each sport.
With no clear favourite, it is hard to predict the outcome of the election, especially compared to 12 years ago when Bach was the overwhelming frontrunner. The IOC is in a strong financial position, with $7.3bn (€6.7bn) already secured for the 2025-28 cycle and another $6.2bn (€5.7bn) for 2029-2032.
As the race for the presidency nears its end, the next leader will face significant challenges but will also have the opportunity to inspire the Olympic movement to a bold and successful future.
