March 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect a new president from a list of seven candidates officially announced on Monday, September 16. With the change in leadership, the world of sports is set to witness new ideas and perspectives that will build on the foundation established thus far, guiding the IOC into its next phase of evolution.
Among the candidates vying for this highly influential role are several well-known figures, all with significant expertise in sports policy and administration. However, one noticeable aspect of this election is the disparity between male and female candidates. Of the seven contenders, only one is a woman—Kristy Coventry from Zimbabwe.
PRINCE FEISAL AL HUSSEIN
HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan is a distinguished royal and sports administrator, known for his extensive contributions to both national and international sports. As the son of King Hussein and the brother of King Abdullah II, Prince Feisal has utilized his prominent position to significantly impact the global sports landscape.
His influence is particularly evident within the International Olympic Committee, where he has held various leadership roles. He has been a member of the IOC Executive Board from 2019 to 2023 and was re-elected for another term. In 2023, he was appointed Chair of the IOC Working Group on Safeguarding, following his tenure as Chair of the IOC Prevention of Harassment and Abuse in Sport Working Group from 2017 to 2023. He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, a role he has held since 2022.
Prince Feisal’s deep commitment to sports development is also evident through his founding of the Jordan Olympic Committee, where he has driven the promotion and growth of sports across Jordan and the broader Middle Eastern region. His leadership extends across numerous IOC commissions, including Entourage (2010-2014), Women and Sport (2006-2015), TV Rights and New Media (2014-2015), International Relations (2014-2015), Sport and Environment (2014-2015), and Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport (2015-2021). Since 2022, he has also been a member of the Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Commission.
LORD SEBASTIAN COE
Like fellow candidate Kirsty Coventry, Lord Sebastian Coe, a former Olympic gold medalist, is vying for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee. Coe, a British middle-distance running legend, claimed gold in the 1,500 meters at both the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as silver in the 800 meters at both Games. Widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, Coe also set multiple world records during his illustrious career.
After retiring from athletics, Coe transitioned to sports administration and politics. He played a central role in securing London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, later leading the London 2012 Organizing Committee. In 2015, Coe was elected President of World Athletics, a position he continues to hold. Under his leadership, the sport has seen a renewed focus on integrity, anti-doping measures, and transparency. Coe, also an IOC member (as long he is keeping his IF presidency), has been a key figure in the global development of athletics.
KRISTY COVENTRY
Coventry is far more than an Olympic (she is 3 times gold Olympic medalist) and world gold medalist swimmer. Her extensive background includes serving on the World Anti-Doping Agency, giving her a deep understanding of the mechanisms of anti-doping agencies. Additionally, as a member of the FINA Athletes’ Committee, she has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by today’s athletes, positioning her to effectively incorporate their needs into future policy-making.
Perhaps one of her most significant qualifications is her experience in government. In 2018, Coventry was appointed as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, bringing a wealth of leadership experience to her candidacy. As the only woman in the race, her bid for the IOC presidency represents a significant moment for gender representation in sports governance.
The young age of Coventry allows her the potential to remain a member of the International Olympic Committee until 2053.
JOHAN ELIASCH
Johan Eliasch is a prominent Swedish-British businessman and environmental advocate. He is the chairman and CEO of Head, a renowned sporting goods company specializing in ski, tennis, and other sports equipment. Since acquiring the company in the late 1990s, Eliasch has expanded its reach significantly, enhancing its global presence.
In addition to his business ventures, Eliasch is a committed environmentalist, known for his work in rainforest conservation. One of his significant efforts includes purchasing large tracts of the Amazon rainforest to combat deforestation and protect the ecosystem. He has also served as an advisor on environmental policy to the UK government during Gordon Brown’s tenure as Prime Minister.
In 2021, Eliasch was elected President of the International Ski Federation and a IOC membership (as long he is keeping his FIS presidency), reinforcing his leadership in the sports industry and extending his influence within international athletics.
DAVID LAPPARTIENT
David Lappartient, a prominent figure in the world of international sports governance, has established himself as a key leader within cycling and beyond. Known primarily for his role as president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, Lappartient has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize and globalize the sport since his election in 2017, when he unseated the incumbent Brian Cookson in a decisive victory.
Lappartient has also pushed for gender equality within cycling, a move that has resonated in an era where inclusivity in sports is a top priority. Under his leadership, the UCI has taken steps to increase opportunities for female cyclists and ensure that international competitions reflect a fairer balance between male and female athletes. His global vision has helped elevate the sport, expanding its reach and influence across continents that had previously seen limited participation.
JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH
Among the seven candidates, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. is a name well known to those who follow Olympic history closely. As the son of the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, who led the International Olympic Committee for an impressive twenty-one years starting in 1980, Samaranch Jr. inherits a prominent legacy. At 65, his IOC membership is set to continue until 2029.
Samaranch Jr. has been an influential figure in sports administration beyond his IOC role. His extensive involvement includes serving as a member of the Spanish National Olympic Committee since 1989 and contributing to the Spanish Modern Pentathlon Federation’s board from 1980 to 1990. Additionally, he held positions with the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), first on the board from 1984 to 1996, and then as first vice-president from 1996 onwards. He also has been Account Director, International Flavours and Fragances (1982-1986); Financial Analyst at the First Boston Corporation in New York (1986-1989); Vice-President and partner of S.G. Warburg and Co. (1989-1991); CEO and founding partner of GBS Finance S.A. (1991-) and Vice-President of Real Automóvil Club de Catalunya (RACC).
Notably, he was among the few senior IOC members invited to the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he received a warm reception, underscoring his significant standing and respect within the global sports community.
MORINARI WATANABE
Morinari Watanabe, who, in addition to his experience as General Secretary of the Japan Gymnastics Association, has served two consecutive four-year terms as President of the International Gymnastics Federation since 2017 (and a IOC membership as long he is keeping his FIG presidency), is also a candidate in this cycle’s election for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee. At 65 years old, Watanabe, a graduate of the University of Tokyo, is recognized for his transformative leadership in gymnastics. Under his presidency, the sport underwent significant changes in terms of transparency and fair competition within FIG, making it more appealing than ever before.
