Overview

• Seven candidates are vying to replace Thomas Bach as IOC president, with the election set for Thursday in Greece through a multi-round, secret ballot process.
• Kirsty Coventry could make history as the first woman and African president, while Sebastian Coe and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. are also considered leading contenders.
• The election process has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency, limiting candidate engagement to brief presentations without public debates or questions.
• The incoming president will face pressing challenges, including geopolitical tensions with the U.S. ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the reintegration of Russia into the Olympic movement.
• Other key issues include establishing universal rules for transgender athletes, addressing climate change impacts on future Games, and maintaining financial stability amidst sponsor retention concerns.