Seven candidates have thrown their hats into the ring to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The election is set to take place in March to determine who will succeed outgoing president Thomas Bach for the next eight years.
The list of candidates includes two former Olympic champions, a prince from a Middle East kingdom, and the son of a former president. Notably, only one woman, Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe, has entered the race, marking a historic moment for an organization that has only had male presidents in its 130-year history.
Among the candidates are Sebastian Coe, a two-time gold medalist in running, and Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, who currently serves on the IOC board. Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, David Lappartient, Morinari Watanabe, and Johan Eliasch are also in the running.
The election is scheduled for March 18-21 in Greece, near the site of Ancient Olympia. Only IOC members are eligible to stand as candidates, with votes cast by the 111-strong membership of the Olympic body.
The IOC presidency requires a deep understanding of sports management, athletes' needs, and global politics. The elected president will oversee an organization that generates billions of dollars in revenue from broadcasting and sponsor deals for the Olympic Games.
Sebastian Coe, widely considered a top contender, faces potential legal hurdles due to age restrictions that may limit his term if elected. Kirsty Coventry, the only female candidate, brings government experience as the former sports minister of Zimbabwe.
The election campaign is characterized by strict limits, including restrictions on public endorsements, videos, public meetings, and debates. The IOC will organize a closed-door meeting in January for candidates to address voters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Each candidate brings a unique background and experience to the table, making the upcoming election an intriguing event in the world of sports politics.
