New torchbearer: Who will lead the International Olympic Committee?
In 2025, there will be a change in the position of the chairman of the International Olympic Committee. Seven candidates are competing to replace Thomas Bach, who will step down after several years in the role. The new leader will be selected in March during a session in Greece.
The year 2025 will bring a change in one of the key positions in world sports - the chairman of the International Olympic Committee. Seven candidates are competing to succeed Thomas Bach. His successor will be chosen in March during a session in Greece.
Candidates for the IOC chairman
The oldest among the candidates is Sebastian Coe. The 68-year-old Brit has two Olympic gold medals in the 1500-metre run (1980, 1984) and led the Organizing Committee of the London 2012 Games. He has been at the helm of the world athletics federation (World Athletics) for nine years. Coe proposes changes in selecting IOC chairpersons, including shortening the first term from eight to four years.
Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic multi-medalist and Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport, has a chance to become the first female chair of the IOC. Her program includes the importance of artificial intelligence and engaging younger generations through social media.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., currently the vice chairman of the IOC, proposes raising the age limit for IOC members from 70 to 75. He also wants the selection of Olympic hosts to be through voting by IOC members.
Feisal al Hussein, a Prince of Jordan, also proposes raising the age limit for IOC members to 75. Additionally, he wants to create an "Olympic Agenda 2036," which would include a review of the Youth Olympic Games format.
David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union, intends to reduce the number of IOC commissions but increase the number of organization members. He also proposes hosting the Olympic Games in Africa.
Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, proposes holding the Olympic Games simultaneously in five cities on five continents, with competitions taking place 24 hours a day.
Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski Federation, wants to review all sports and Olympic formats to increase their appeal to fans.
On January 30 at 9:00 AM ET, IOC members will participate in a closed meeting where candidates will present their programs. The session will be held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. Thomas Bach, the current chairman, confirmed his departure during the Olympic Games in Paris. His term will conclude in June after a three-month transition period with his successor.
