The IOC Presidential Race: responses under the spotlight
Farzad Youshanlou
January 31, 2025

Although limited, the opportunity for the seven candidates vying for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee to engage with journalists from major global media outlets is welcome. Yet, the IOC has made no meaningful effort to remove the barriers that limit such Q&A sessions — barriers that, if removed, would give athletes and the broader sports community better insight into the organization’s decision-making processes.

What is undeniable, however, is that technology is advancing rapidly. In particular, the rise of social media has intensified demands for greater transparency from IOC policymakers. This demand will only continue to grow.

The days when one could remain in the corridors of power, shielded from scrutiny, are fading. At pivotal moments in history, leaders must step forward, answer for their decisions, and accept responsibility.

All seven candidates echoed the same principle: future Olympic planning must place athletes at its core. In this regard, their rhetoric closely mirrors that of past and present IOC presidents. Yet the real question remains: how feasible is this athlete-first vision in practice? That question demands rigorous examination.

THE RESPONSES WERE UNCLEAR

Some candidates even spoke of hosting the Olympics in Africa. However, without structured, mid-term development plans to raise the continent’s sporting standards, such ambitions risk being little more than lofty ideals. The Rio 2016 Olympics serves as a cautionary tale — an event that, upon closer inspection, was riddled with failures.

The challenges facing the International Olympic Committee emerged as one of the most pressing questions posed to the candidates. While some, mindful of their positions, avoided providing direct responses, others — former elite athletes who had risen to the Olympic stage as medalists before becoming leaders with clear and unblemished records—offered a broader perspective. They acknowledged that these challenges are not exclusive to the IOC but are pervasive across sports organizations and federations. To overcome these obstacles, they stressed the need for profound and transformative change. Their responses placed particular emphasis on the role of National Olympic Committees and other key partners of the Olympic Movement.

The issue of sanctions against Russian athletes was raised once again. Responses ranged from strong support for a full-scale ban to calls for more measured mechanisms to address such situations. There was also the usual rhetoric about unity, though it appeared more like a political talking point than a substantive solution.

Journalists rightly questioned the candidates on gender equality and the controversy surrounding the treatment of boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Yet, apart from the current president of World Athletics, no one stepped forward to take responsibility — despite it being widely regarded as one of the major blunders of Thomas Bach’s presidency. The issue of systematic doping among athletes, the IOC’s failure to act decisively, and the United States’ withdrawal from WADA were also raised, but once again, no clear answers were provided.

From the entire process, two candidates emerged with a positive distinction over their rivals. Their responses displayed not only composure and tolerance but also a broader and deeper understanding of the Olympic cycle’s most pressing issues. What the IOC needs now is not mere administration or a continuation of the current reality — it needs renewal. A deep knowledge of IOC affairs, experience, and a clear vision are essential to drive the necessary reforms. The Olympic Movement requires fresh leadership, a new direction, and the determination to make bold changes.

This is the challenge IOC members must address next March as they elect the new president. The future of the Olympic Movement depends on their choice. As the race for the presidency takes shape, SportsIn will soon publish a detailed analysis of the leading candidates and their positions.

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