IOC Session commences in ancient Olympia with looming Presidential election
The 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee commenced on Tuesday in Olympia, the historic site of the ancient Games. This event will culminate in the election of a new IOC President on Thursday. In his address at the Olympic Academy,...
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The 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee commenced on Tuesday in Olympia, the historic site of the ancient Games. This event will culminate in the election of a new IOC President on Thursday.
In his address at the Olympic Academy, near the ancient stadium, outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach briefly mentioned the critical vote set for Thursday, where seven candidates will vie for one of the most powerful roles in global sports.
As the richest multi-sports organization worldwide, the IOC generates around $7 billion every four-year cycle.
"This is exactly what this Session is about. A sacred pilgrimage to our ancient past," Bach conveyed to an audience that included IOC members and Greece's President, Konstatinos Tasoulas.
"An homage to our modern origins and to our founder. And a manifestation of our faith in the future, when we will elect a new president," he added, noting his upcoming departure in June after a 12-year tenure.
Those vying for the presidency include International Cycling Union chief David Lappartient, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics head Sebastian Coe, Zimbabwe's Sports Minister and former Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry, and Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan. Morinari Watanabe, head of the Federation of International Gymnastics, and Johan Eliasch, head of the Federation of International Ski and Snowboard, complete the candidate list.
While there is no clear frontrunner as there was in 2013 when Bach was favored, Coe, Samaranch, and Coventry—often seen as Bach's preferred choice—are thought to have an advantage over the other contenders.
On Thursday, just over 100 IOC members, including federation leaders, national Olympic committee presidents, royalty, and billionaires, will cast their votes.
The elected IOC President will serve an eight-year term, with the option to be re-elected for a second four-year term, totaling a maximum of 12 years in the role.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
In his address at the Olympic Academy, near the ancient stadium, outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach briefly mentioned the critical vote set for Thursday, where seven candidates will vie for one of the most powerful roles in global sports.
As the richest multi-sports organization worldwide, the IOC generates around $7 billion every four-year cycle.
"This is exactly what this Session is about. A sacred pilgrimage to our ancient past," Bach conveyed to an audience that included IOC members and Greece's President, Konstatinos Tasoulas.
"An homage to our modern origins and to our founder. And a manifestation of our faith in the future, when we will elect a new president," he added, noting his upcoming departure in June after a 12-year tenure.
Those vying for the presidency include International Cycling Union chief David Lappartient, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics head Sebastian Coe, Zimbabwe's Sports Minister and former Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry, and Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan. Morinari Watanabe, head of the Federation of International Gymnastics, and Johan Eliasch, head of the Federation of International Ski and Snowboard, complete the candidate list.
While there is no clear frontrunner as there was in 2013 when Bach was favored, Coe, Samaranch, and Coventry—often seen as Bach's preferred choice—are thought to have an advantage over the other contenders.
On Thursday, just over 100 IOC members, including federation leaders, national Olympic committee presidents, royalty, and billionaires, will cast their votes.
The elected IOC President will serve an eight-year term, with the option to be re-elected for a second four-year term, totaling a maximum of 12 years in the role.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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