🎉 The race to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is officially on! Seven dynamic candidates presented their visions for the future of the Olympics at the Olympic House on Thursday, igniting excitement among sports enthusiasts worldwide. 🏆
The presentations kicked off with Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, who drew the first spot in a November draw. He was followed by an impressive lineup: David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI); Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS); IOC vice-president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.; Zimbabwean Olympic swimming champion and sports minister Kirsty Coventry; Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics (WA); and Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Each candidate had 15 minutes to wow the IOC Members during a closed-door meeting, sharing their plans and aspirations for the Olympic movement. The new president will be elected at the 144th IOC Session in Greece from March 18-21. 🗳️🇬🇷
In a refreshing twist, the candidates also engaged with selected media in a face-to-face Q&A session—the first at IOC headquarters since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They tackled pressing issues like athlete welfare, climate change, gender equality, anti-doping, and embracing new broadcasting technologies. 🌍💡
Prince Feisal Al Hussein, 61, centered his presentation around \"inspiring imagination, ensuring integrity, and developing inclusion.\" Meanwhile, 51-year-old Lappartient highlighted challenges like global instability and digitalization, urging the IOC to adapt. Eliasch, 62, discussed innovative sponsorship models and proposed rotating Olympic venues in the future. 🏟️🌐
Samaranch Jr., 65, son of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, emphasized building stronger relationships with the media, calling them \"our allies.\" Kirsty Coventry, at 41 the youngest and only female and African candidate, shared her inspiring journey, stating, \"I want to be the best candidate to win, not just because of my gender or where I come from.\" 🌟✊
Sebastian Coe, 68, despite being the oldest candidate, showed he's still in touch with the youth, stressing the importance of engaging younger generations in sports. Watanabe, 65, pitched bold ideas like hosting the Olympic Games simultaneously across five continents and reducing the financial burdens of the Games. 🌎💰
The anticipation is building! Who will steer the Olympic ship into a new era? Stay tuned for the election results this March! 🏅✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
