IOC Presidential Candidates Present Plans to Voters in Closed Session

On Thursday, seven candidates for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee presented their platforms in a closed-door session at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. Each candidate had 15 minutes to make their pitch to the more than 100 IOC members eligible to vote in the upcoming election on March 20. The candidates included notable figures like Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, as well as Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, who emphasized the importance of restoring youth trust in global institutions like the IOC. The format did not allow for questions or media presence, making it a private affair aimed at garnering support ahead of the election. Candidates will be vying to succeed Thomas Bach, who has served since 2013 and is reaching the end of his term. The new president will officially take office in June following the election in Costa Navarino, Greece.