Former Olympian and World Athletics President Poised to Enter Race Sebastian Coe, the former Olympic champion and current president of World Athletics, has signaled his intention to run for the position of International Olympic Committee (IOC) president. This announcement comes as Thomas Bach, the current IOC president, confirmed he will step down next year, adhering to the organization’s 12-year term limit.
Bach’s Decision for Change
On Saturday, Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013, stated he would not seek an extension beyond his term limit. In his announcement, Bach emphasized the need for new leadership in the face of evolving global dynamics. “New times are calling for new leaders,” Bach said. His decision has led to speculation about potential candidates to succeed him, with Coe emerging as a prominent figure.
Coe’s Strong Candidacy
Coe, a distinguished Olympian with two gold medals in the 1500m and two silver medals in the 800m, has extensive experience in Olympic management. He chaired the London 2012 Games, served as the president of World Athletics, and has been actively involved in the Olympic movement for decades. In a recent statement, Coe expressed his interest in the role, saying, “If the opportunity arose, I would obviously give it serious thought. The opportunity has arisen and clearly I need to think about it. I would consider it.”Coe outlined his credentials, highlighting his experience in bidding, organizing, and delivering Olympic events, as well as his role in managing the world’s leading Olympic sport. He also stressed the importance of having a diverse range of candidates, encouraging others to consider running for the position to ensure a well-rounded election process.
Addressing Controversies
Coe also addressed ongoing controversies, including issues within the women’s boxing tournament. He emphasized the need for clear policies and prioritizing biological factors to preserve the female category in sports. “I have a responsibility to preserve the female category, and I will go on doing that until a successor decides otherwise or the science alters,” Coe stated.
The IOC will vote on its new president in March 2025 during a meeting in Athens, with Bach set to step down in June 2025. Bach has committed to ensuring a smooth transition, aiming to pass the leadership to a qualified successor.
Under Bach’s leadership, the IOC has faced criticism for its handling of various issues, including the Russia doping scandal and recent threats to revoke the Salt Lake City Winter Games if investigations into the World Anti-Doping Agency are not resolved. Despite these challenges, Bach’s focus on good governance and the future of the Olympic movement remains a central theme in his departure plans.
As the search for the next IOC president begins, the spotlight is on potential candidates like Sebastian Coe, whose vast experience and leadership credentials could shape the future of the Olympic movement.