Seven candidates from around the world are gearing up for a highly anticipated election to become the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The election is set to take place from March 18 to 21 in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan is the President of Jordan’s Olympic Committee. With a mission to “bridge gaps” in the Olympic Movement, he aims to foster unity and cooperation among nations through sports.
David Lappartient of France serves as the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Running under the campaign slogan “Sport in Our Hearts“, he emphasizes the passion and dedication that sports inspire worldwide.
Swedish-born Briton Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), believes in the sustainability of the Olympic Games. He has declared, “The Olympic Games must continue to inspire the world, but they also need to sustain themselves financially in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, son of former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and current Vice President of the IOC, brings a legacy of leadership. His manifesto states, “We shall serve sport, not use it. Money generated by sport shall benefit sport. Sport shall remain in control of its own destiny.”
From Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry is the nation’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. A former Olympic swimming champion, she positions herself as a transformational leader with the slogan, “Unleashing the Transformative Power of Sport.”
Sebastian Coe of Great Britain, recently re-elected as World Athletics President for a third and final term, is a former Olympic distance running champion. He has promised to radically transform the IOC if elected, bringing in new ideas and energy.
Morinari Watanabe of Japan, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), proposes radical changes to the Olympic Movement. Among his ideas is organizing the Games on all five continents simultaneously to truly embody global unity.
The new IOC President will take office after a handover on June 23, when incumbent Thomas Bach officially steps down. The election is poised to be a defining moment for the future of the Olympic Movement, as each candidate brings unique visions and plans to shape the world’s foremost sports organization.
