Who will take over IOC presidency from Thomas Bach? Meet the seven presidential hopefuls

The race to become the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is shaping up with seven influential candidates vying for the top position. Among them are former Olympians, sports administrators, and royalty from the Middle East. The IOC election will take place during the 143rd IOC Session in Greece from March 18 to 21, 2025, where one of these contenders will succeed outgoing President Thomas Bach for the next eight years. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates.

Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Jordan)

HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein is a central figure in global sports administration. He has been an IOC member since 2010 and currently serves as President of the Jordan Olympic Committee. Additionally, he chairs the IOC’s Prevention of Harassment and Abuse in Sport Working Group and serves on several IOC commissions. Prince Feisal has been deeply involved in sports governance since 1999 when he chaired the Pan Arab Games Organising Committee and later became President of the Jordan Olympic Committee in 2003. He also sits on the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and chairs the Peace Through Sport Committee.

With a long career in sports governance and his significant contributions to the Olympic movement, Prince Feisal is well-positioned as a leading candidate for the IOC presidency.

Sebastian Coe (Great Britain)

Sebastian Coe, a former British Olympian and middle-distance runner, has also entered the race to become the IOC president. Coe is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time Olympic medalist who set eight world records in his running career. In 2003, Coe joined the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF, now World Athletics), where he later became President. He also played a key role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and was Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Games.

Coe, who was elected as an IOC member in 2020, is seen as a seasoned leader with deep connections to international sports. His current term as President of World Athletics runs until 2027, and his reputation as a key player in global athletics strengthens his bid for the IOC presidency.

Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe)

Kirsty Coventry is the only woman in the name and brings a wealth of experience as a five-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medallist in swimming. Representing Zimbabwe, she won gold in the 200m backstroke and was a former world record holder. Coventry has been actively involved in sports governance and is currently Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and Vice President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. She also runs the Kirsty Coventry Academy, which promotes swimming and supports underprivileged communities.

Coventry’s personal accomplishments in sport, coupled with her dedication to athlete welfare and leadership in sports administration, make her a strong candidate for the IOC presidency.

Johan Eliasch (Sweden/Great Britain)

Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), is a notable figure in winter sports. A former competitive curler, Eliasch has held leadership roles across various sports bodies, including the British Olympic Association and Special Olympics Great Britain. Since 2021, he has served as FIS President, overseeing international skiing and snowboarding competitions.

Eliasch’s experience in winter sports and his connections to Olympic organizations globally have made him a notable contender in the IOC election.

David Lappartient (France)

David Lappartient, the current President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), also stands out in this race. Lappartient has been an IOC member since 2022 and is the Chair of the IOC’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group. He has a background in competitive cycling and has been involved in global cycling governance for many years, including his role as Chair of the UCI World Cycling Centre Foundation Board.

With a vision for the future of cycling and emerging sports, Lappartient brings a modern perspective to the IOC presidency.

Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (Spain)

Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. has been a member of the IOC since 2001 and is the son of the former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch. His extensive background in sports administration includes serving as Chef de Mission for the Spanish delegations at multiple Olympic Games. Samaranch has also held leadership positions within the Spanish National Olympic Committee and the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM).

Samaranch Jr.’s long-standing involvement in the Olympic movement and his family’s legacy position him as a seasoned candidate for the presidency.

Morinari Watanabe (Japan)

Morinari Watanabe is the ninth President of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and the first Asian to hold this position. He has been a member of the IOC since 2018 and has held various leadership roles in Japanese and international gymnastics organizations. Watanabe has also served as a coach in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and played a crucial role in organizing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With a rich background in gymnastics and sports governance, Watanabe brings a unique perspective to the IOC presidential race, representing the interests of both athletes and sports officials.

As the 143rd IOC Session approaches in March 2025, the global sporting community will watch closely to see who will take on the responsibility of leading the Olympic Games into its next chapter.