Mon Sep 16 15:16:44 UTC 2024: ## Seven Candidates Vie for IOC Presidency, Coe Faces Challenges

**Athens, Greece** – The race to succeed International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has officially begun with seven candidates, including prominent figures from the sporting world.

Sebastian Coe, the current World Athletics chief, is considered the frontrunner. However, the charismatic Briton, a double Olympic 1500m champion, faces several hurdles. First, he will compete against a diverse field, including Kirsty Coventry, who aims to become the first woman and African to lead the IOC, and cycling boss David Lappartient.

Furthermore, new IOC Ethics Commission rules may pose a challenge for Coe, as he will turn 68 before the end of a potential eight-year term, surpassing the age limit for IOC members and presidents.

The other candidates include Prince Faisal al-Hussein (Jordan), gymnastics chief Morinari Watanabe (Japan), Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior (Spain), and ski federation president Johan Eliasch (Austria).

Under the election rules, four candidates will have to resign from their federation roles before the election in Athens next March.

The candidates will formally present their programs to IOC members in January 2025 before the election.

Bach, who has served for 12 years, has steered the IOC through turbulent times, including the state-sponsored doping scandal in Russia and the nation’s invasion of Ukraine. Coe has been critical of Russia’s actions, taking a more assertive stance than Bach on banning Russian athletes, which may have strained their relationship.

While Bach faces some criticism, former IOC marketing head Michael Payne praised his accomplishments, stating that Bach “leaves the IOC in far stronger shape” than when he assumed leadership. However, Payne acknowledges the challenges facing the new president, including a rapidly changing sporting landscape and increasing politicization of sport.

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