IOC contenders reveal plans ranging from events on five continents to digital transformation

In a brief address to the IOC membership on Thursday, the seven contenders for the position of president, which is the most influential position in international sport, presented their strategies and goals for the Games.

The candidates’ agendas, which ranged from a simultaneous Games across five continents to the necessity of rapid digital development to stay current, were discussed in the 15 minutes allotted for them to speak to the more than 100 IOC members in private.

The members will choose a new Olympic leader for an eight-year term on March 30 at their meeting in Greece, where they were not permitted to ask any questions on Thursday.

At a news conference after his presentation, Morinari Watanabe, the head of the world gymnastics federation and a presidential contender, declared, “The Olympics will be held on five continents simultaneously.” “To offer greater potential for broadcasters and commercial opportunity.”

Former Olympic swimmer and World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe, Zimbabwe’s sports minister Kirsty Coventry, and Spanishman Juan Antonio Samaranch, son of the late former IOC president, are among the contenders.

The list of candidates is completed by Watanabe, Olympic newcomer and multimillionaire Johan Eliasch, who leads the International Ski Federation, Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, and international cycling boss David Lappartient.

“I felt great in that room. Samaranch, who among other things wants a new bid system for cities, told a press conference after his presentation that it is up to them (the members) to determine whether or not I touched the appropriate fibers.

Lappartient expressed his preference for an African country to host the Games, while Prince Feisal wanted boxing to return to the Los Angeles 2028 Games schedule when the IOC denied the IBA Olympic status due to governance issues.

NO FAVORITE

In contrast to twelve years ago, when departing President Thomas Bach was elected as the overwhelming favorite, it is challenging to forecast the outcome of the vote when there is no obvious front-runner.

Brisbane will host the 2032 Summer Olympics, whereas Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The IOC’s finances are strong, having already secured $7.3 billion in revenue for 2025–2028 and $6.2 billion for 2029–2032; nevertheless, in 2024, three major sponsors, Toyota, Bridgestone, and Panasonic, concluded their contracts.

A few of the contenders mentioned the necessity of examining the Olympic organization’s business model.

“I am standing because I believe I have a proven track record and experience to deliver,” Eliasch, a businessman, described. “I am aware of what it takes to be a leader and promote change. There is no popularity contest here.

Despite being the sole African and female contender, Coventry claimed she was not receiving any assistance or special treatment from President Bach, a former Olympic fencing champion, even though she had long been considered his favorite.

“We have many same beliefs and ideologies as fellow athletes. He is treating all of the contenders fairly, in my opinion,” Coventry stated.