Lord Coe to be IOC president

Sebastian Coe has been confirmed as one of seven candidates for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will be vacated by Thomas Bach next year. Coe, a two-time Olympic champion and current president of World Athletics, faces stiff competition from prominent figures including Kirsty Coventry, the only woman on the shortlist, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., the son of a former IOC president. Other candidates include Jordan's Prince Feisal al Hussein, David Lappartient of the UCI, Johan Eliasch of the FIS, and Morinari Watanabe of FIG. While Coe is viewed as a strong contender, he may encounter challenges due to IOC rules regarding age limits and membership requirements. The new president will be elected in March 2025 during an IOC session in Athens, with the election marking a significant moment, as the IOC has never had a female president in its 130-year history. Coe has emphasized his extensive experience within the Olympic movement, which he believes would be beneficial for the role.