The IOC will elect a new president, marking the tenth leader in its 131-year history. Candidates include Juan Antonio Samaranch and Kirsty Coventry, with Coventry aiming to be the first woman and first African to lead. Voting commences at 4 p.m. local time, with results expected shortly after. Thomas Bach steps down after a successful term, leaving a financially secure IOC with hosts prepared up to 2034.
COSTA NAVARINO, Greece (AP) — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect a new president on Thursday, marking the selection of only the 10th leader in its 131-year history. This election is considered one of the most competitive in decades, with the winning candidate set to serve an eight-year term, navigating crucial issues such as the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and selecting the host for the 2036 Olympics, which could potentially be awarded to India or a Middle Eastern country.
Approximately 100 eligible IOC members will commence voting at 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), with results anticipated within 30 minutes. Seven candidates are vying for an absolute majority, contending for the presidency at a resort hotel situated near Ancient Olympia. Key contenders include IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, along with other notable figures such as Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan.
Kirsty Coventry, the 41-year-old sports minister of Zimbabwe, stands out as a historic candidate, aiming to become the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. As she expressed on Wednesday, “Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens.”
Coventry has been viewed as the favored successor to the outgoing president Thomas Bach, who will complete his term on Olympic Day, June 23. Bach received a warm tribute on Wednesday during the IOC’s annual meeting, earning the title of honorary president for life. The IOC is projected to generate over $8 billion in revenue by the 2028 Olympics and has already secured hosts through 2034, including venues in Italy, the United States, and Australia.
Samaranch emphasized the challenges that lie ahead, stating, “There is one and one only… We must concentrate (on) successful and relevant Olympic Games. The rest comes with success in the games.” Should he emerge victorious, he would follow in his father’s footsteps, who served as IOC president from 1980 to 2001, marking a significant lineage in the organization. Members of the exclusive IOC voting body comprise royalty, former lawmakers, diplomats, business magnates, sports officials, and Olympic athletes.
The election of a new IOC president is poised to shape the future of the Olympic movement, particularly with regard to upcoming Games in 2028 and the host selection for 2036. Candidates such as Kirsty Coventry and Juan Antonio Samaranch highlight the diversity and competitive nature of this election. The ability to navigate political and financial challenges will be pivotal for the next leader, who has the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy in Olympic history.
Original Source: kstp.com
