The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is on the brink of pivotal change as it prepares to elect a new president. This election is the first contested one since 2013 and will usher in a leader to confront a myriad of challenges. The current president, Thomas Bach, is stepping down after a 12-year term, leaving behind a complex landscape of political, social, sporting, and operational issues. Noteworthy candidates include Olympic gold medalists like Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, as well as Juan Antonio Samaranch, the son of a former IOC president.
The upcoming Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028 present a significant political landscape. The event will occur during the latter part of President Donald Trump’s second term, posing potential diplomatic challenges particularly with allies such as Canada, Ukraine, Denmark, and Germany. These geopolitical dynamics could impact the United States’ position as a welcoming host. The federal government’s involvement, although limited, encompasses critical areas like security and visas, which will be put to the test as the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 World Cup.
Historically, the IOC has maintained a close relationship with the United Nations and a rules-based global order. However, this relationship is under pressure from various international quarters, including the United States. A pressing issue for the new president will be determining how and when to reintroduce Russia into the Olympic community. Seb Coe, whose own Olympic journey included the politically charged Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 Games, noted that navigating such diplomatic challenges is hardly new. ‘They always have been manageable in the past,’ he said.
Gender equality remains a focal point initiated under Bach’s leadership, aiming at equal representation and opportunities for women’s events. With Kirsty Coventry standing as a candidate, there’s a possibility for the first female IOC president. However, the topic of gender eligibility is heating up, especially following Trump’s executive order concerning transgender athletes. The IOC may review these policies before the next set of Olympics, with some sports like swimming and cycling having already implemented stricter regulations.
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Looking beyond 2028, the new president’s term will stretch until 2033, with major decisions like hosting the 2036 Summer Games still on the horizon. India and Qatar are already vigorously advocating for their bids. The process for selecting hosts has moved towards a more secretive model, reducing the direct involvement of committee members and aiming to curb vote-buying.
Climate change is another critical aspect influencing the timeline of future Olympic events. The proposed shift of the Summer Games from their traditional July-August slot will likely consider global temperature rises and extreme weather incidents. Some candidates, such as Johan Eliasch, suggest a permanent rotation of Winter Games venues to tackle the declining number of suitable locations.
Athlete welfare is also a topic of concern among the candidates. Sebastian Coe’s leadership in World Athletics exemplified a progressive stance by rewarding medalists financially, a move that could set a precedent for future Olympic Games. In contrast, Samaranch proposes empowering athletes to control footage of their performances, while Coventry supports existing programs without proposing new athlete benefits.
Internally, the IOC faces calls for more participative governance. Some candidates propose increased member involvement in decision-making processes, challenging the centralized leadership style attributed to Bach. For instance, David Lappartient encourages open debates, while Prince Feisal noted that frequent unanimous votes might indicate underlying issues.
Finally, the age limits for IOC members and the duration of presidential terms are under discussion. Allowing for potential re-election after four years rather than eight could foster accountability and responsiveness, as suggested by some candidates.
The new IOC president will undoubtedly face a complex array of challenges ranging from geopolitical issues to internal policy reforms. With influential candidates advocating various approaches, the election promises to significantly shape the future direction of the Olympic movement. Whichever path is chosen, the IOC’s role in promoting neutrality, inclusivity, and equality remains a central mission.
