David Lappartient, the French candidate for IOC presidency, shared his vision for the future of the Olympic Movement during a virtual conference organised by AIPS. He discussed plans for the regionalisation of sport, focusing on boosting support for developing countries.
The interview, moderated by AIPS President Gianni Merlo, covered a wide range of topics, including gender equality, inclusion, the war in Ukraine, the suspension of Russian athletes, transgender athletes’ rights, and sustainability. However, Lappartient paid special attention to supporting less-developed countries, a central part of his vision for a more inclusive and fair IOC.
Lappartient reflected on his career and early passion for the Olympic Games, inspired by Carl Lewis at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He expressed a strong commitment to Olympism and outlined his plan to ensure all countries, regardless of their development level, have access to the same training opportunities and resources.
As President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Lappartient proposed creating regional training centres, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, to help athletes from less-developed countries train with the best equipment and coaches. He suggested expanding the Olympic Solidarity Programme, advocating for a budget increase to support infrastructure, coaching, and development in poorer nations.
Lappartient also addressed the inclusion of transgender athletes, stressing the need for fair competition while respecting their rights. He called for clear policies based on scientific studies and dialogue with athletes, particularly female athletes, to ensure fair competition.
On the issue of the war in Ukraine, Lappartient reiterated that sport should be a unifying force, not a tool for sanctions. He expressed hope for peace but emphasised the importance of the IOC maintaining political neutrality.
Lappartient further discussed the need for sustainability in the Olympic Games, especially in light of climate change. He highlighted the importance of reducing the carbon footprint and finding creative solutions for the Winter Games, particularly in areas where snowfall is decreasing.
Regarding media and content consumption, Lappartient acknowledged the rise of digital platforms and streaming services, emphasising the IOC’s need to adapt to this shift to stay relevant and accessible to new generations of fans.
In conclusion, Lappartient’s vision for the IOC focuses on inclusion, equity, and sustainability. His goal is to create a flexible IOC that supports athletes from all backgrounds, promotes greater cooperation with international federations, and ensures that the Olympic Games remain accessible to all countries.
