The IOC is set to elect a new president, with seven candidates competing for the role. Key issues include managing the Olympics towards the 2028 Games in Los Angeles and selecting the 2036 host city. The election will take place among approximately 100 IOC members, with major candidates including Juan Antonio Samaranch, Sebastian Coe, and Kirsty Coventry, who could become the first female and African president.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect a new president, marking a significant moment in its 131-year history, with seven candidates competing in a highly competitive election. The new president will serve an eight-year term, focusing on navigating the Olympics leading up to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, as well as selecting a host for the 2036 Games, which could potentially be awarded to India or a Middle Eastern nation.
Voting will commence for approximately 100 eligible IOC members at 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), with results expected within half an hour. Among the candidates, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch stands out, alongside two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry. Other candidates include Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, Johan Eliasch (skiing), David Lappartient (cycling), and Morinari Watanabe (gymnastics).
Notably, Kirsty Coventry, the 41-year-old Sports Minister of Zimbabwe, aspires to be the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. She emphasized the need for change, stating, “Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens.” Coventry has been viewed as a favored successor to outgoing president Thomas Bach, who will formally depart on June 23 after completing the maximum term of 12 years.
Thomas Bach received heartfelt tributes during the IOC’s annual meeting, being honored with the title of honorary president for life. He leaves behind a financially stable IOC, projected to generate over $8 billion in revenue for the 2028 LA Olympics, with hosts secured through 2034 in Italy, the United States, France, and Australia.
If elected, Samaranch stressed the importance of prioritizing the success of the Olympic Games. He remarked, “There is one and one only. We must concentrate (on) successful and relevant Olympic Games. The rest comes with success in the games.” Should he win, he would be following in the footsteps of his father, who served as the IOC’s president from 1980 to 2001.
Voting members of the IOC consist of prominent figures including royalty, former lawmakers, diplomats, and Olympic athletes, collectively contributing to this pivotal election.
The election of the new IOC president represents a crucial turning point for the organization, focusing on significant upcoming events and international developments. Candidates like Kirsty Coventry highlight the potential for historical change, while incumbent support from figures like Thomas Bach reinforces continuity amid transitions. Ultimately, the decisions made today will shape the IOC’s trajectory in the years leading up to a series of Olympic Games.
Original Source: kstp.com
