Olympic contest to pick IOC president is quirky and controlled by tight campaign and voting rules

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 17:55 GMT by Associated Press
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The IOC is the undisputed champion of running the most tightly managed sports election. It's been compared by veteran Olympic watchers to a conclave to pick a pope.

IOC Faces Pivotal Leadership Transition as Thomas Bach Steps Down, Sparking Competitive Presidential Race

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is on the cusp of a significant leadership change, with current President Thomas Bach announcing he will not seek an extension beyond his term, which ends in 2025. Bach, a German lawyer and former Olympic fencer who has helmed the organization since 2013, cited the need for fresh perspectives after 12 years in office. His decision sets the stage for a highly anticipated election at the IOC's session in Greece in March 2025, where members will choose his successor from a diverse field of seven candidates. This race is not just about personal ambitions but also reflects broader challenges facing the Olympic movement, including geopolitical tensions, athlete welfare, and the evolving landscape of global sports.

Bach's tenure has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. He navigated the IOC through the unprecedented postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the inclusion of new sports like skateboarding and surfing to appeal to younger audiences, and pushed for gender equality, achieving near parity in athlete participation at recent Games. However, his leadership has faced criticism over the handling of Russia's doping scandals, the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals amid the Ukraine conflict, and perceived commercialization of the Olympics. Bach emphasized in his announcement that the IOC must adapt to a rapidly changing world, including digital transformation and climate concerns, which his successor will inherit.

The election process itself is steeped in the IOC's traditions. Candidates must be current IOC members and secure nominations from at least five fellow members. The vote will be conducted by secret ballot among the approximately 100 IOC members, with the winner needing a simple majority. An age limit of 70 for new presidents means the elected leader can serve a single eight-year term, potentially extendable by four years, but not beyond that. This rule underscores the IOC's efforts to prevent long-term entrenchment, a reform introduced after the scandal-plagued era of Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., who led from 1980 to 2001.

Among the frontrunners is Sebastian Coe, the charismatic British president of World Athletics. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters (1980 and 1984), Coe, 67, brings a wealth of experience from his roles in organizing the 2012 London Olympics and leading track and field's governing body through its own doping crises. Coe has positioned himself as a reformer, advocating for stronger anti-doping measures, greater athlete involvement in decision-making, and innovative ways to engage global audiences. He has spoken about the need to protect the Olympics from political interference while expanding its reach into emerging markets. Critics, however, point to his past involvement in controversies, such as the IAAF's (now World Athletics) handling of Russian doping, though Coe has defended his record as one of cleaning up the sport.

Another prominent candidate is Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, and a former Olympic swimmer who won seven medals, including two golds, between 2004 and 2008. At 41, Coventry would be the youngest IOC president and the first woman and first African to hold the position, symbolizing a potential shift toward greater diversity. Her platform emphasizes inclusivity, youth engagement, and using sports for social development in underrepresented regions. As chair of the IOC's Athletes' Commission, she has championed mental health support for athletes and sustainable event hosting. Her candidacy has garnered support from those seeking to break the traditional European dominance in IOC leadership.

Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., 64, son of the former IOC president, represents continuity with a modern twist. A Spanish banker and vice president of the IOC, Samaranch has been instrumental in securing future Olympic hosts, including the 2032 Brisbane Games. He advocates for financial stability, leveraging his business acumen to enhance the IOC's revenue streams from broadcasting and sponsorships. Samaranch stresses the importance of maintaining the Olympic brand's prestige while addressing environmental sustainability, such as reducing the carbon footprint of mega-events.

From the Middle East, Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, 60, brings royal influence and diplomatic experience. As president of the Jordan Olympic Committee and an IOC executive board member, he has focused on promoting sports in conflict zones and fostering peace through athletics. His vision includes strengthening ties with Islamic nations and integrating esports to attract digital natives, though he must navigate sensitivities around gender issues and regional politics.

David Lappartient, 51, the French president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), is another strong contender. Known for his anti-doping stance and efforts to modernize cycling, Lappartient proposes digitizing the Olympics further, including virtual competitions and AI-driven training tools. He aims to tackle climate change by pushing for carbon-neutral Games and adapting to extreme weather impacts on winter sports.

Morinari Watanabe, 65, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), hails from Japan and emphasizes innovation in sports governance. Having overseen gymnastics' response to abuse scandals, he prioritizes athlete safety and ethical standards. Watanabe's platform includes expanding Olympic programs to include more urban and extreme sports to boost viewership.

Lastly, Johan Eliasch, 62, the Swedish-British businessman and president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), rounds out the field. A billionaire with a passion for environmental causes, Eliasch owns vast tracts of rainforest and advocates for green initiatives in winter sports, which are increasingly threatened by global warming. He proposes reforms to make the Olympics more adaptable to climate realities, such as flexible hosting models.

The election comes at a critical juncture for the IOC. With the 2024 Paris Olympics fresh in memory—highlighted by record viewership but also debates over costs and inclusivity—the new president will face immediate tests. Key issues include negotiating with host cities amid rising expenses, addressing the integration of transgender athletes, combating state-sponsored doping, and navigating boycotts or protests related to human rights. The rise of esports and virtual reality poses questions about the future of traditional competitions, while climate change threatens venues like those for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

Experts predict a tight race, with alliances forming along regional and ideological lines. European candidates like Coe, Samaranch, and Lappartient may dominate due to the continent's strong representation in the IOC, but calls for global representation could boost Coventry or Prince Feisal. The winner will not only steer the Olympics through the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Games but also shape its role in a polarized world.

As the campaign intensifies, candidates are engaging in subtle lobbying at IOC meetings and international forums. Bach has urged unity, reminding members that the election should prioritize the Olympic movement's core values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Whatever the outcome, this transition signals a new chapter for an organization that, for over a century, has symbolized global unity through sport. (Word count: 1,028)

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[ https://apnews.com/article/ioc-olympics-election-bach-6c490a85b3a1690bf3181b3932fb5bca ]

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Olympic contest to pick IOC president is quirky and controlled by tight campaign and voting rules

IOC Faces Pivotal Leadership Transition as Thomas Bach Steps Down, Sparking Competitive Presidential Race