The IOC elects a new president today in Costa Navarino, Greece, with seven candidates including Juan Antonio Samaranch, Sebastian Coe, and Kirsty Coventry. Key responsibilities include managing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and selecting the host for the 2036 Games. Voting begins at 4 p.m. local time, with results anticipated within 30 minutes.
Election day for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is taking place in Costa Navarino, Greece, where members will elect the organization’s new president, the 10th in its 131-year history. Candidates include seven members vying for an absolute majority to secure an eight-year term. The pivotal responsibilities for the new leader include managing the transition through the 2028 Los Angeles Games and determining the host for the 2036 Olympics, possibly in India or the Middle East.
Voting is set for 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), with results expected within 30 minutes at the resort near Ancient Olympia. Leading candidates feature IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch alongside distinguished two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry. Additionally, Prince Feisal al Hussein, and sports governing body presidents Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, and Morinari Watanabe are contenders.
Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s sports minister, aims to become the first female and the first African IOC president. “Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens,” Coventry declared ahead of the election. She is regarded as a frontrunner to succeed outgoing president Thomas Bach, who capped off his 12-year term on Olympic Day, June 23.
Bach’s tenure was marked by financial success, with the IOC anticipated to earn over $8 billion in revenue through the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. He leaves behind a secured future with confirmed host cities through 2034, including locations in the U.S. and Italy. His legacy emphasizes gender parity, having advocated for equal athlete quotas for men and women at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Samaranch highlighted the forthcoming challenges by stating, “We must concentrate (on) successful and relevant Olympic Games. The rest comes with success in the games,” underscoring the importance of the Games’ success. If elected, he would succeed his father, who previously led the IOC from 1980 to 2001.
The IOC voting body consists of a diverse group of about 100 eligible members, including royals, diplomats, business leaders, and even actress Michelle Yeoh. Voting will occur without further candidate presentations, relying on established networks and alliances among the members.
The IOC election marks a significant event as members elect a new president to oversee critical future Olympic decisions. With seven candidates in contention, including notable figures like Kirsty Coventry and Juan Antonio Samaranch, the election reflects an open contest and the need to navigate upcoming challenges effectively. The next president will play an integral role in shaping the future of the Olympic Games, emphasizing gender balance and successful event execution.
Original Source: kstp.com
