What's happened
The International Olympic Committee has revealed seven candidates for the presidency, including Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry. Current president Thomas Bach will step down in March 2025 after reaching term limits. The election will address key issues like climate change and Olympic hosting rights.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Graham Dunbar in The Independent, the IOC has confirmed seven candidates for the presidency, including Coe and Coventry, who would be the first female president. Jamie Gardner notes that Coe's age could limit his term, but he may seek an extension. Sean Ingle highlights the competitive nature of the race, with Bach expected to support Coventry. The Guardian emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election in addressing significant challenges facing the IOC, including climate change and the selection of future Olympic hosts.
How we got here
Thomas Bach announced he would not seek a third term as IOC president during the Paris Olympics in August 2024. This decision has prompted a competitive race for his successor, with candidates needing to submit letters of intent by mid-September.
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Kirsty Leigh Coventry Seward is the current Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe as of September 2018.
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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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Thomas Bach, OLY is a German lawyer and former Olympic fencer. Bach is the ninth and current President of the International Olympic Committee, and a former member of the German Olympic Sports Confederation Executive Board.
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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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Juan Antonio Samaranch y Torelló, 1st Marquess of Samaranch was a Spanish sports administrator under the Franco regime who served as the seventh President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001.
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Athens, is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence started somewhere between the 11th and 7th m
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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.