Election Details and Timeline

Seven candidates have announced their bids to succeed Thomas Bach as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president. The election is set for March 18-21, 2025, in Athens, Greece. Bach, who has served the maximum 12-year term, will step down in June.

 

Diverse Field of Candidates

The potential new president could be a groundbreaking figure—possibly the IOC’s first female leader, or the first from Africa, Asia, or Britain. The role, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, involves overseeing a financially robust organization, managing sports governance, and navigating international politics.

 

Role and Responsibilities

The IOC president influences decisions on Olympic hosts, committee appointments, and engages in diplomatic efforts. Bach’s tenure saw significant moments, including the Sochi 2014 Winter Games and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. The next president will face challenges like selecting the 2036 Summer Games host and addressing global sports calendar shifts.

 

2036 Bidding Country

The selection for the 2036 Summer Games is set to be highly competitive, with strong bids from India and Qatar. India’s major cities, like New Delhi and Mumbai, are contenders due to their growing infrastructure and enthusiasm, while Qatar’s Doha boasts advanced sports facilities from recent events. The IOC will assess these bids based on infrastructure, financial stability, legacy plans, and political factors, with the final decision impacting the future of the Olympics.

 

Candidates Overview

1. Prince Feisal al Hussein – IOC member since 2010, founder of Generations for Peace, and brother of Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
2. Sebastian Coe – IOC member since 2020, World Athletics president, and Olympic champion in the 1980s.
3. Kirsty Coventry – IOC member since 2013, Olympic champion swimmer, and Zimbabwe’s sports minister.
4. Johan Eliasch – IOC member since August, International Ski and Snowboard Federation president, and sports equipment brand owner.
5. David Lappartient – IOC member since 2022, International Cycling Union president, and chair of the IOC esports panel.
6. Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. – IOC member since 2001, vice president, and founder of an investment bank.
7. Morinari Watanabe – IOC member since 2018, president of the International Gymnastics Federation.

 

Challenges and Expectations

The incoming IOC president will need to address key issues such as potential reintegration of Russia into international sports and the future of Olympic broadcasting deals. The new leader will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Olympic movement amidst evolving global challenges.