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Battle for the IOC throne: who will be the new president?
The election of the new IOC president on March 19, 2025 promises exciting duels between favorites like Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry.
Battle for the IOC throne: who will be the new president?
International sport is looking ahead to the upcoming election of the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will take place in Greece on Thursday. Thomas Bach, the incumbent president, has not yet decided on his successor. He has consolidated power at the IOC for 12 years and the election could be defining for the body's future. The Kleine Zeitung reported, that over 100 IOC members had to hand over their electronic devices during the secret voting process and that the candidates were only allowed to give a short presentation of their plans, without direct questions. For many observers, this strict regulation is an opaque practice.
Coe and Coventry in the race for power
The British Lord Sebastian Coe, two-time Olympic champion and declared successful reformer in sports, is one of the main candidates against many rather unknown opponents. Coe has clearly called for changes in the IOC. “IOC members are underutilized,” said Coe, who believes the influence of a few requires a transformation. This could, like the OC Register reported, his well-publicized rivalry with Bach, as Coe often goes against the current president's views.
The big question remains whether Coe, who is seen by sports experts as the best qualified candidate, can prevail against Kirsty Coventry, who is considered Bach's dream candidate. Coventry could become the first woman and first African to rise to the top of the IOC - a historic moment for the organization. But her controversial role as sports minister in Zimbabwe could make her path more difficult. “Women are ready to lead,” said the Olympic swimming champion, speaking for many who want change in the IOC.
The starting position is exciting, and the decision could have a lasting impact on the course of the IOC. Coe's challenge will not only be electing members, but also the direct influence of Thomas Bach in the background, who is a strong supporter of Coventry. It remains to be seen whether IOC members will usher in a new era or stick to the established course.