07 Contenders Vying To Become The 10th IOC President
The 144th annual sessions of the International Olympic Committee – the apex global sports body – will be held in Athens, Greece from the 18th to the 21st March, 2025.
Formed in 1894, the inaugural President was co-founder Demetrius Vikelas from Greece. He served for a period of 03 years. The other co-founder Pierre de Coubertin of France was the 02nd President. He served for a period of 29 years, the longest term in that highly respected & esteemed position.
The outgoing President, Thomas Bach will leave after 12 years in office. The 71 year old German businessman graduated in Law & Political Sciences from the University of Wurzburg, Germany. He was a former Foil Fencer, who won an individual Olympic gold & a team World gold for Germany. Thomas Bach is the first Olympic gold medalist to become the President of the International Olympic Committee. He has been an IOC member since 1991. With a Ph.D in Law, he has strived hard to bring about a level field for the active participation for all at the Olympic Games.
The 07 contenders are :
HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein
61 year old Jordanian. Bachelor of Science, Electronic Engineer ( USA ) & Masters in Management ( UK ). Involved in Football, Volleyball, Wrestling, Motorsports – 04 competitive sports. IOC member since 2010
Mr. David Lappartient
51 year old French sports administrator & politician. President of the International Cycling Union. IOC member since 2022.
Mr. Johan Eliasch
63 year old Swedish born British businessman, investor & environmentalist. Involved in political activities in Great Britain. President of the International Ski Federation. IOC member since 2024.
Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch
66 year old Spanish former sportsman involved in Skiing, Golf, Running, Swimming & Tennis. MBA from the University of New York ( USA ) & a Degree in Engineering from the University of Barcelona ( Spain ). A financial analyst, sports administrator & businessman. Top office bearer in IOC Media Coverage Commissions. IOC member since 2001.
Mrs. Kirsty Coventry
41 year old Zimbabwean former swimmer & politician. Former Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission. Participated in 05 Olympic Games & won 07 medals, including 02 golds. One time World Record holder. Has won joint most medals in women’s swimming in Olympic history, to be considered as the greatest ever Olympic athlete from Africa. IOC member since 2013. Youngest contender.
Lord Sebastian Coe
68 year old British sports administrator & former politician. B.Sc. Hon. in Economics & Social History from the University of Loughborough ( UK ), where he is also the Chancellor. President of World Athletics – the International Association of Athletic Federations. Participated in 02 Olympic Games & won 04 medals including 02 golds in middle distance running events. Held 03 World records at the same time, once. Chair of the Organising Committee of the London Olympic & Paralympic Games, 2012. Involved in many charitable activities around the world. IOC member since 2020. According to a survey carried out, we observe that Lord Sebastian Coe is leading the group with a substantial margin over Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch & Mrs. Kirsty Coventry.
Mr. Morinari Watanabe 66 year old Japanese businessman, sports administrator & promoter. MA in Physical Education ( Japan ). University Lecturer in Japan. President of the International Federation of Gymnastics. Coach & organising committee member of many world events in Gymnastics. IOC member since 2018.
There are 110 active members, 39 honorary members & 206 individual National Olympic Committees under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee, whose motto is Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.
The next Winter Olympic Games in 2026 will be held in Milan & Cortina, Italy whilst the next Summer Olympic Games in 2028 will be hosted by Los Angeles, USA.