IOC Prepares for Historic Presidential Election in Greece

The secretive vote on Thursday will determine the successor to Thomas Bach, with Kirsty Coventry, Sebastian Coe, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. as frontrunners.

Seven candidates are vying to replace Thomas Bach as IOC president, with the election set for Thursday in Greece through a multi-round, secret ballot process.
Kirsty Coventry could make history as the first woman and African president, while Sebastian Coe and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. are also considered leading contenders.
The election process has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency, limiting candidate engagement to brief presentations without public debates or questions.
The incoming president will face pressing challenges, including geopolitical tensions with the U.S. ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the reintegration of Russia into the Olympic movement.
Other key issues include establishing universal rules for transgender athletes, addressing climate change impacts on future Games, and maintaining financial stability amidst sponsor retention concerns.