The race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in March has officially begun, with seven candidates presenting their manifestos. Each brings a unique vision for the future of the Olympic Movement, addressing critical issues such as sustainability, governance, inclusion, and innovation. Here’s a breakdown of their key proposals:
Sebastian Coe (British, 68)
Experience: President of World Athletics, architect of the 2012 London Olympics, double Olympic gold medalist, and IOC member since 2020.
- Advocates for decentralizing IOC decision-making to better leverage the collective expertise of its members.
- Emphasizes sport as a tool for social progress and aims to engage more with governments to promote this.
- Supports clear policies to protect female categories in sports while drawing from his experience reforming athletics.
Quote: “The IOC is not broken, but it can be so much better. My approach may ruffle feathers, but my focus is solely on improving the organization.”
Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Jordanian, 61)
Experience: President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, IOC member since 2010.
- Calls for a review of the Olympic calendar to accommodate climate challenges, enabling more host cities to bid.
- Advocates for leveraging AI to enhance sport accessibility and esports to engage younger audiences.
- Prioritizes maximizing Olympic Games revenue for International Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
Quote: “Effective leadership stems from listening and building trust, not imposing ideas.”
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (Spanish, 65)
Experience: Son of a former IOC president, vice-president of the IOC, and long-standing member of the Olympic Movement.
- Proposes extending IOC members’ retirement age to 75 to retain institutional knowledge.
- Aims to streamline IOC operations and optimize resources through external reviews.
- Seeks greater flexibility in host city selection, balancing universality and legacy.
Quote: “Athletes are the heartbeat of the Olympic Movement, and IOC members must have a stronger voice in shaping its future.”
Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwean, 41)
Experience: Seven-time Olympic medalist, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports, and IOC member since 2013.
- Focuses on athlete well-being, mental health, and career support beyond competition.
- Advocates for environmental sustainability in Olympic operations and zero tolerance for doping and corruption.
- Embraces the Ubuntu philosophy to foster a united and inclusive Olympic community.
Quote: “The resilience of sport can bridge divides and demonstrate the power of understanding and respect.”
Johan Eliasch (Swedish-British, 62)
Experience: President of the International Ski Federation and IOC member since 2024.
- Promotes gender equality and clear policies for fair competition.
- Encourages modernization of IOC revenue streams, including digital strategies and esports.
- Advocates for political neutrality and safeguarding athletes from political exploitation.
Quote: “Successful organizations are built on governance, collaboration, and innovation. The IOC must be no different.”
David Lappartient (French, 51)
Experience: President of the UCI and IOC member since 2022.
- Proposes organizing future Olympic Games in Africa and achieving gender parity in IOC membership by 2036.
- Aims to reduce IOC spending and allocate more resources to members.
- Stresses the importance of enhancing doping controls and carefully integrating new sports into the Olympic program.
Quote: “We must continue to innovate while maintaining the universality and integrity of the Olympic Games.”
Morinari Watanabe (Japanese, 65)
Experience: President of the International Gymnastics Federation and IOC member since 2018.
- Proposes hosting the Olympics across five cities on five continents to maximize global reach and sustainability.
- Suggests extending the IOC presidency term to 12 years and creating a system for IOC members to contribute their expertise to global issues.
- Envisions a ‘win-win’ marketing system to increase IOC revenue through partnerships and innovative broadcasting.
Quote: “The Olympics must unite the world, broadcasting 24/7 and inspiring dreams in every corner of the globe.”
Each candidate presents a distinct vision for the IOC’s future, reflecting their diverse experiences and priorities. The election in March 2025 will determine who will lead the organization into a new era, navigating challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, and maintaining the Olympic Movement’s relevance in a rapidly evolving world.
