What's happened
Sebastian Coe, a candidate for IOC president, emphasizes the need for reform in the Olympic movement, focusing on athlete remuneration and the protection of women's sports. He expresses discomfort over recent controversies regarding transgender athletes in boxing and aims to establish clearer policies.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jamie Gardner from The Independent, Coe has been 'in training for most of his life' for this role and emphasizes the need for a major reset within the IOC. He highlights the discomfort he felt during the boxing tournament in Paris, where transgender athletes competed, stating, 'if you do not protect [the female] category... it will not end well for women’s sport.'
In contrast, Sean Ingle from The Guardian notes that Coe's candidacy is marked by a commitment to clarity in IOC policies, asserting that the current guidelines are 'too ambiguous.' He aims to provide 'uncompromising' guidance to sports organizations if elected.
Both sources underscore Coe's extensive experience and the challenges he faces, particularly with opposition from current IOC president Thomas Bach, indicating a complex political landscape ahead.
How we got here
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, has announced his candidacy for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency. His campaign comes amid ongoing debates about athlete inclusion and gender policies within the Olympic framework, particularly highlighted during the recent Paris Olympics.
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World Athletics, is the international governing body for the sport of athletics, covering track and field, cross country running, road running, racewalking, mountain running and ultrarunning.
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The International Olympic Committee is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas in 1894, it is the authority responsible for organising the modern Summer and Winter Olympic
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Sebastian Newbold Coe, Baron Coe, CH, KBE, Hon FRIBA, often referred to as Seb Coe or Lord Coe, is a British politician and former track and field athlete.
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