Race Heats Up: 7 Global Leaders Vie for IOC Presidency

Who Will Lead the Olympics into the Future?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set for a historic leadership shakeup as seven candidates from around the world compete to become its next president. From March 18 to 21, delegates will gather in Costa Navarino, Greece, to elect a successor to Thomas Bach, who steps down in June. Here’s the lowdown on the contenders and their visions for the Games:

The Candidates & Their Big Ideas

• Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Jordan): Olympic Committee leader aiming to 'bridge gaps' in global sports unity.
• David Lappartient: Cycling chief rallying for Sport in Our Hearts – prioritizing grassroots engagement.
• Johan Eliasch: Ski federation head pushing financial sustainability: ‘The Games must inspire AND adapt.’
• Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (son of ex-IOC president): Vows to keep sport ‘in control of its destiny’ amid commercial pressures.
• Kirsty Coventry: Zimbabwe’s sports minister and ex-Olympic swimmer campaigns on ‘Unleashing Sport’s Transformative Power.’
• Sebastian Coe: Track legend and World Athletics boss promises a ‘radical transformation’ of the IOC.
• Morinari Watanabe: Gymnastics leader wants ‘Games on all five continents simultaneously’ – a literal global stage!

Why It Matters

This election could redefine the Olympics’ role in a world grappling with rising costs, climate concerns, and shifting youth interests. Will the next president prioritize tradition or innovation? Stay tuned as history unfolds this March!

Reference(s):

Seven candidates competing for IOC Presidency in upcoming election

cgtn.com