IOC to Elect New President in Historic, Unpredictable Vote

Seven diverse candidates, including potential first female leader, vie for leadership as the IOC addresses modern challenges and evolving global dynamics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect its new president on March 20, 2025, in Greece, succeeding Thomas Bach after 12 years in office.
Seven candidates, the most in IOC history, are competing, with three frontrunners: David Lappartient, Sebastian Coe, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior.
Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer and Zimbabwean minister, could make history as the first female president if elected.
The IOC faces mounting challenges, including environmental sustainability, declining public support for hosting the Olympics, and engaging younger audiences through initiatives like e-sports.
The election will be conducted behind closed doors, with results announced only after voting concludes, reflecting the IOC's secretive process.