IOC Presidential Candidates Make Pitches In Elusive Election

The President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, Tony Estanguet, right, addresses the audience as IOC President Thomas Bach, left, watches during the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony

Seven candidates vying to lead the International Olympic Committee made their crucial pitches behind closed doors to approximately 100 voters in what is considered one of the most enigmatic and opaque elections in world sports. This exclusive event, held before the March 20 poll in Greece, allowed each candidate a 15-minute opportunity to address IOC members, which include royal family members, former heads of government, sports officials, and former athletes.

The speeches were not broadcast, and attendees were prohibited from bringing phones or devices into the room. Voters were also unable to pose questions to their seven competitors, all vying for the highly influential position currently held by Thomas Bach, who has served the maximum 12 years in office.

Exclusive event allows candidates to pitch to 100 voters.

Seven candidates vie for IOC presidency in opaque election.

Challenges include climate change, gender equality, and Russia's reintegration.

New president to collaborate with U.S. administration for 2028 Olympics.

Candidates propose innovative ideas for future Games and athlete benefits.

Election outcome on March 20 will determine Bach's successor.

New president to focus on critical issues and shaping Olympic Games.

Transition period before new president officially assumes office in June.

The diverse pool of candidates includes Olympic gold medalists, heads of Olympic sports bodies, and members of the current IOC executive board. Notable contenders are Sebastian Coe, Kirsty Coventry, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., son of a former IOC president.

The upcoming IOC president will face various challenges, including addressing climate change's impact on the sports calendar, gender equality in sports, and the reintegration of Russia into the Olympic Games. Additionally, the new president will play a diplomatic role in collaboration with the U.S. administration ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Proposals from candidates range from innovative ideas for future Olympic Games formats to enhancing athlete benefits, such as extending cash prizes for medalists and relaxing broadcast rights rules to allow athletes to share their performances on social media.

The election outcome on March 20 will determine the successor to Bach, who is known for his meticulous leadership style. The new president will officially assume office in June after a transition period, with a focus on navigating critical issues facing the Olympic movement and shaping the future of the Games.

With the IOC also looking ahead to selecting a host for the 2036 Olympics, the upcoming presidency holds significant implications for the global sports landscape and the continued evolution of the Olympic Games.