The competition for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency intensified on Wednesday as the seven candidates made their final moves ahead of the decisive vote at the Costa Navarino resort in Greece. With current president Thomas Bach preparing to step down, the election will determine the future leader of the world’s most influential multi-sport organization, which generates $7 billion per four-year cycle.
Among the frontrunners are Britain’s Sebastian Coe, Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry—believed to be Bach’s preferred successor—and Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., son of a former IOC president. The election process requires an outright majority, with multiple voting rounds expected before a winner is confirmed.
Other contenders include France’s David Lappartient, Swedish-born Johan Eliasch, Japan’s Morinari Watanabe, and Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein. Lappartient, the head of world cycling, acknowledged the race remains open and expects a tight contest. Meanwhile, Samaranch Jr. stressed the confidentiality of IOC votes, noting that alliances and speculation mean little until ballots are cast.
With over 100 votes at stake, the new president will shape the Olympic movement for the next decade. The final decision is expected on Thursday.
Source: Swifteradio.com
