The IOC will elect a new president on Thursday amidst a field of seven candidates, marking the tenth leader in its history. Key issues include preparing for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and deciding the 2036 host. Notable candidates include Kirsty Coventry and Juan Antonio Samaranch, with voting set to occur at 4 p.m. local time.
On Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is scheduled to elect a new president, marking the selection of only the tenth leader in its 131-year history. This election is particularly notable due to the high number of candidates competing; a total of seven individuals are vying for this prestigious position. The elected president will serve an eight-year term, crucially overseeing the lead-up to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and the selection of the host for the 2036 games, which are potential candidates for India or the Middle East.
Voting, conducted by approximately 100 eligible IOC members, is set to commence at 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), with results anticipated within 30 minutes. Among the contenders, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, along with two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, are regarded as the frontrunners. Other candidates include Prince Feisal al Hussein from Jordan, Johan Eliasch from skiing, David Lappartient from cycling, and Morinari Watanabe from gymnastics.
Kirsty Coventry, the current sports minister of Zimbabwe, is notable for potentially becoming the first female and first African president of the IOC. She has expressed a desire for transformative change, stating, “Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens.” With the outgoing president Thomas Bach stepping down on June 23 after reaching his term limit, Coventry is viewed as a likely successor, having garnered considerable support.
Bach received commendation during the IOC’s annual meeting before the election, being honored with the title of honorary president for life. He leaves behind a financially robust organization projected to exceed $8 billion in revenue by the 2028 games, along with a pipeline of future Olympic hosts through 2034—including Italy, the United States, France, and Australia.
Addressing the challenges ahead, Samaranch asserted the importance of ensuring that Olympic Games remain both successful and relevant, highlighting that success in these events shapes future opportunities. If elected, he would succeed his father, who led the IOC from 1980 to 2001. The voting body comprises a diverse group, including royals, former lawmakers, diplomats, and distinguished athletes.
In summary, the IOC election marks a significant moment in Olympic history, with seven candidates vying for the presidency. The outcome will shape the IOC’s direction leading to the 2028 and 2036 Olympic Games. Key figures like Kirsty Coventry aim to bring change, while Juan Antonio Samaranch promotes continuity. This election not only influences the immediate future of the Olympics but also has lasting implications for the IOC’s legacy.
Original Source: kstp.com
