IOC Presidential Election Nears as Candidates Vie for Historic Leadership

Seven candidates, including Samaranch Jr., Coe, and Coventry, compete to replace Thomas Bach, with geopolitical challenges and Olympic reforms on the horizon.

• The International Olympic Committee will elect its next president on Thursday in Greece, marking the first contested election since 2013.
• Leading candidates include Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Sebastian Coe, and Kirsty Coventry, each potentially making history with their election.
• Key challenges for the new president include navigating global political tensions, addressing gender equality in sports, and preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics under the Trump administration.
• Samaranch Jr. emphasizes stability and experience, Coe advocates for athlete engagement and IOC member involvement, while Coventry focuses on safeguarding athletes and gender equity.
• Other contenders include Johan Eliasch, Morinari Watanabe, David Lappartient, and Prince Feisal al-Hussein, with the election potentially requiring multiple voting rounds.

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The Japan Times