IOC president elections: Meet the seven contenders to replace Thomas Bach | More sports News

IOC will elect their next president on March 20, replacing the outgoing Thomas Bach who had been in the role since 2013. (AP)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect Thomas Bach‘s successor as president on Thursday at Costa Navarino, a Greek coastal resort.
Thomas Bach, who first became president in 2013 following Belgian Jacques Rogge, secured an initial eight-year term and was re-elected in 2021 for four years.
During the Paris Olympics in August, the 71-year-old German announced he would not pursue a third term. “New times are calling for new leaders,” he had declared.
The seven contenders for the IOC presidency are:
Sebastian Coe

Sebastian Coe (L) arrives for the 144th session, which will elect the new IOC President. (AP)

Coe, a 68-year-old British contender, brings a distinguished career as a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 1,500 meters and successful leadership of both London 2012 Olympics bid and the Games.
As World Athletics president since 2015, Coe reformed the organisation following his predecessor Lamine Diack’s conviction in France for covering up Russian doping.
Coe implemented a complete ban on Russian athletes at the Paris Games due to the Ukraine invasion and introduced prize money for Olympic champions in athletics.
“On reflection, I would have announced it and done it in a different way.”
He has prioritised protecting women’s sport in his program following gender eligibility discussions at the Paris Games.
David Lappartient

IOC presidency candidate David Lappartient makes statements to the reporters during a break of the 144th session. (AP)

The 51-year-old Frenchman became an IOC member in 2022 and serves as International Cycling Union president since 2017.
The center-right politician successfully secured the 2030 Winter Olympics for the Alps, though his campaign faced challenges.
His bid encountered setbacks when French biathlon champion Martin Fourcade declined to lead the 2030 organising committee, and the emergence of Tony Estanguet as an IOC member could impact his chances.
Lappartient supports Russia’s return to international sports.
“They are destined to naturally regain a place in the world of sport.”
Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.. (AP)

The 65-year-old from Spain holds significant influence within the IOC as a two-time vice-president and former perfume salesman and banker.
He chaired the coordinating committee for the 2022 Beijing Games and has over two decades of IOC experience.
“Experience, perspective, judgement and collaboration.”
Kirsty Coventry

Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry. (AP)

From Zimbabwe, the 41-year-old aims to become the first woman and African IOC president.
She earned seven Olympic swimming medals, including two golds, and transitioned to sports administration after retiring in 2016.
Coventry joined the IOC in 2013, chaired the Athletes Commission, and currently leads the Coordination Commission for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
She addressed criticism about accepting Zimbabwe’s sports minister position.
“I have taken it upon myself to change a lot of policies within my country and how things are done.”
Prince Feisal Al-Hussein

Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Prince Feisal Al-Hussein

The 61-year-old brother of Jordan’s King Abdullah II seeks to become the first Asian IOC president and established Generations For Peace, a peace-building organisation using sports programs.
Morinari Watanabe

Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee Morinari Watanabe. (AP)

The Japanese 66-year-old made history as the first Asian gymnastics federation president.
The son of a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor proposes hosting Olympics simultaneously across five continents to reduce costs and share the experience globally.
Johan Eliasch

Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee Johan Eliasch . (AP)

Eliasch is a 63-year-old Sweden-born businessman and environmentalist who became International Ski Federation president in 2021 and an IOC member in July 2023.
“I have been an adviser to governments on protecting the environment and taking action on climate change.”
“I have been very involved in technology, I have run a major company. I run the biggest winter sports federation, which provides 55 percent of all events in the Winter Games.”
“If they are looking for somebody with a lot of experience and expertise, I am your man.”