Candidates Announced for IOC Presidency Election

Seven candidates are competing for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as current president Thomas Bach prepares to step down in March 2025. Notable contenders include Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and a two-time Olympic champion; Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe's Sports Minister and the only female candidate; and Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, a current IOC executive board member. Other candidates are Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., and Morinari Watanabe, each bringing diverse backgrounds from various sports federations. The election will take place in ancient Olympia, Greece, where candidates will present their plans to IOC members behind closed doors in January. The new president will oversee significant upcoming events, including the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Summer Games, and will have an initial eight-year term. Bach's leadership has left the IOC in a strong financial position with secured funds for the next Olympiads.