The International Olympic Committee (IOC) witnessed a compelling showcase on Thursday as seven distinguished candidates delivered their visions for the future of the global sports organization at the Olympic House.
Determined by a draw in November, the presentations kicked off with Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, followed by David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), IOC vice-president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Zimbabwe's Olympic swimming champion and sports minister Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics (WA) president Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Each candidate had an intense 15-minute slot to outline their strategic priorities to the IOC Members in an exclusive, in-camera session. The anticipation builds as the new IOC president is set to be elected during the 144th IOC Session scheduled in Greece from March 18-21.
Marking the first in-person media interaction at the IOC headquarters since the onset of COVID-19, the candidates also participated in a news meeting. They addressed pressing topics including the rights and welfare of athletes, climate change, gender equality, anti-doping measures, and the integration of new broadcasting technologies.
Prince Feisal emphasized three strategic imperatives: inspiring imagination, ensuring integrity, and fostering inclusion. David Lappartient highlighted the challenges of global instability, climate change, and digitalization facing the IOC. Johan Eliasch focused on securing Olympic sponsorships and proposed rotating Olympic venues in upcoming years.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. reassured stakeholders by stating that the media are allies, not adversaries. Kirsty Coventry, the youngest candidate and the only female and African contender, shared her personal journey and her commitment to winning based on merit. Sebastian Coe, the oldest candidate, discussed the necessity of extending the IOC's age limits to accommodate his potential eight-year term. Morinari Watanabe proposed hosting Olympic Games simultaneously across five continents and reducing their financial burden.
The forthcoming election will see the new president succeed Thomas Bach, who has served the IOC for a record 12 years since his election in 2013.
Reference(s):
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