IOC VP Samaranch Plays Down His Status as Favorite in Presidential Race
Amid increasing speculation about his potential election as the next IOC president, Juan Antonio Samaranch downplayed his status as a frontrunner just before the voting on Thursday. "I admire you guys very much for the capacity sometimes,"...
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Amid increasing speculation about his potential election as the next IOC president, Juan Antonio Samaranch downplayed his status as a frontrunner just before the voting on Thursday.
"I admire you guys very much for the capacity sometimes," Samaranch told reporters Wednesday, "to predict what the result will be. I really don't know."
The presidential race, which is considered the most open in modern International Olympic Committee history, now appears to be focusing on three candidates out of the original seven: IOC vice president Samaranch and two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry.
Kirsty Coventry, the 41-year-old sports minister of Zimbabwe, has the potential to become the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC in its 131-year history.
"I'm biased so I'm going to say yes," she stated on Wednesday when asked if it was time for a female president. "Let's create some change, let's make sure that happens."
All candidates and their voters belong to the exclusive circle of IOC members, which currently comprises 109 individuals.
Samaranch emphasized the importance of confidentiality and the significance of votes, urging voters to "forget about" external pressures, endorsements, and identity politics. "Each one has to make sure that they use that important right they have to vote however they feel," he advised.
Sebastian Coe, known for his extensive background as an athlete, former British lawmaker, and organizer of the 2012 London Olympics, shared only a few light remarks while navigating a media barrage on the first of the three-day IOC annual meeting. "I'm in good shape but it's only lunchtime," he joked, referencing his role as president of World Athletics.
The victor on Thursday will officially assume office on June 23, as current president Thomas Bach completes his maximum twelve-year term.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
"I admire you guys very much for the capacity sometimes," Samaranch told reporters Wednesday, "to predict what the result will be. I really don't know."
The presidential race, which is considered the most open in modern International Olympic Committee history, now appears to be focusing on three candidates out of the original seven: IOC vice president Samaranch and two-time Olympic gold medalists Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry.
Kirsty Coventry, the 41-year-old sports minister of Zimbabwe, has the potential to become the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC in its 131-year history.
"I'm biased so I'm going to say yes," she stated on Wednesday when asked if it was time for a female president. "Let's create some change, let's make sure that happens."
All candidates and their voters belong to the exclusive circle of IOC members, which currently comprises 109 individuals.
Samaranch emphasized the importance of confidentiality and the significance of votes, urging voters to "forget about" external pressures, endorsements, and identity politics. "Each one has to make sure that they use that important right they have to vote however they feel," he advised.
Sebastian Coe, known for his extensive background as an athlete, former British lawmaker, and organizer of the 2012 London Olympics, shared only a few light remarks while navigating a media barrage on the first of the three-day IOC annual meeting. "I'm in good shape but it's only lunchtime," he joked, referencing his role as president of World Athletics.
The victor on Thursday will officially assume office on June 23, as current president Thomas Bach completes his maximum twelve-year term.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
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