The IOC has narrowed its list to seven candidates to succeed Thomas Bach and become the next president of the International Olympic Committee. Two former Olympic champions, a Middle Eastern prince, and the son of a previous president will vie for the top job, with the vote scheduled for March. Who is in the running? What are their chances of winning? Will this be a fair election? Let’s dive in and meet the contenders, as well as the full odds on BetOnline.
Great Britain, Sebastian Coe (+150)
Sebastian Coe is a track and field legend from Great Britain, winning two gold medals in the 1500m in 1980 and 1984. He is the current president of World Athletics and was a Conservative Party lawmaker for five years. Coe helped bring the Summer Games to London in 2012 and has shown strong leadership, including imposing a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris Games due to the invasion of Ukraine. With significant experience, he is well-suited for the role, but the IOC has an age limit of 70, and Coe is 68. However, if he wins, he could receive a special exemption to complete the full 8-year term.
Jordan, Prince Faisal al-Hussein (+400)
Prince Faisal al-Hussein, the younger brother of King Abdullah II, is hoping to become the first Asian president of the IOC. In 2007, he founded Generations For Peace, a non-profit peace-building organization. He became an IOC member in 2010 and is currently on the Executive Board, having chaired several committees. Prince Faisal has stated that “the full potential of the IOC membership is not being utilized” and has pledged to ensure that the voices of all members are heard if elected.
Spain, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (+600)
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., the son of the IOC president from 1980-2001, is following in his father’s footsteps. The 64-year-old former perfume salesman and banker is now in his second term as IOC Vice-President. He is known for being an excellent communicator and understands the media landscape. Samaranch Jr. has also played a key role in helping three different committees host the Winter Games.
Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry (+600)
Kirsty Coventry, the only woman running, is aiming to become the first person from Africa to head the IOC. A dominant swimmer with seven Olympic medals, including two golds, Coventry retired in 2016 and has since become a prominent figure in sports administration. She has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation since 2019 and has been an IOC member since 2013. Coventry has also served on the IOC Executive Board since 2018 and heads the Coordination Commission for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Can she make history and win the presidency?
Next IOC President Odds:
- Sebastian Coe: +150
- Prince Faisal al-Hussein: +400
- David Lappartient: +500
- Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.: +600
- Kirsty Coventry: +600
- Morinari Watanabe: +600
- Johan Eliasch: +800