Sebastian Coe, the former Olympic champion and current World Athletics chief, has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe faces stiff competition from Kirsty Coventry, who aims to become the first woman and African to lead the IOC, and cycling boss David Lappartient.
Coe’s bid is complicated by IOC Ethics Commission rules that limit the retirement age for members and presidents to 74. Coe will turn 68 in September, and an eight-year mandate would extend beyond that age. However, there is room for maneuver to raise the retirement age.
The election will take place at the IOC Session in Athens from March 18-21, 2025. Bach, 70, is stepping down after 12 years in office.
Other candidates include Prince Faisal al-Hussein of Jordan, gymnastics chief Morinari Watanabe, Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, and ski federation president Johan Eliasch.
Under election rules, Coe, Eliasch, Lappartient, and Watanabe must resign as heads of their respective federations and seek re-election as individual members at the Athens Session.
The candidates will present their programs to IOC members in January 2025. A transition period will follow the election, with the new president and team taking control in June.
Bach’s tenure has been marked by challenges, including the Russian doping scandal and the invasion of Ukraine. Coe has taken a stronger stance on banning Russian athletes than Bach, which has strained their relationship.
Despite these challenges, Bach is credited with successfully navigating the IOC through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the Tokyo Games took place in 2021.
Michael Payne, the IOC’s former head of marketing, believes Bach has done an outstanding job. However, he warns that his successor faces significant challenges, including the increasing politicization of sport and the rapidly changing business and broadcast environment.
