By Ossian Shin, Reuters
Olympic rings in France, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
- Seven candidates vying for IOC presidency
- New president must navigate US relations, transgender policy, Russia's return
- Financial stability, digital revolution, climate challenge key issues for IOC
The International Olympic Committee will elect a new president this week, ushering in a leader who must steer the Games through an era of digital transformation, political upheaval, and mounting environmental concerns.
The new president will inherit both opportunities and significant obstacles as the Olympic Movement seeks to evolve while staying true to its core values.
Seven candidates are in the running. The field includes IOC executive board member and Zimbabwean sports minister Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe (Britain), International Ski and Snowboard Federation president Johan Eliasch (Britain-Sweden), Jordan Olympic Committee president Prince Feisal al Hussein, cycling boss David Lappartient (France), IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (Spain), and gymnastics federation head Morinari Watanabe (Japan).
Following Thomas Bach's 12-year tenure, the next leader faces pressing challenges that will define the future of the world's biggest sporting spectacle.
Diplomacy and US relations
The relationship between the IOC and the White House will be pivotal in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The new IOC leader must be prepared for a Donald Trump leadership style that thrives on unpredictability and public confrontation, factors that could pose challenges to the smooth delivery of the Games.
The next IOC president will have to strike a careful balance: maintaining productive ties with the US government while ensuring the autonomy and neutrality of the Olympic Movement.
Navigating potential flashpoints, including political pressure on athlete participation, sponsorship dynamics, and security concerns, will require deft diplomacy. A cooperative but independent approach will be essential to safeguarding the integrity of the Games while ensuring their success on American soil.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach. Photo: AFP
Transgender policy
The inclusion of transgender athletes in elite competition remains a polarising issue. The IOC must refine its guidelines to balance inclusivity with fairness, ensuring that all athletes compete on a level playing field. The next president will need to engage with medical experts, human rights organisations, and sporting federations to develop evidence-based policies that reflect the latest scientific insights.
With diverging global opinions on gender identity in sport, the IOC must also navigate political sensitivities. Some nations advocate for strict regulations, while others push for greater inclusivity. The challenge will be crafting policies that uphold Olympic values while being accepted across different cultural and legal landscapes.
Russia's return
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left Russian and Belarusian athletes in sporting exile. The new president faces a major diplomatic dilemma: whether and how to reintegrate them into international competition. Political realities must be considered, as Ukraine and its allies strongly oppose Russia's return to the Olympic stage.
The IOC must determine strict eligibility criteria, potentially requiring athletes to distance themselves from their governments or military affiliations. Any pathway for their return must be carefully managed to avoid undermining the Games' integrity and credibility. The decision will set a precedent for how the IOC handles political conflicts in sport moving forward.
Financial stability
The Olympic Movement's financial health hinges on securing major broadcasting and sponsorship deals. With NBCG's multi-billion dollar broadcast contract expiring in 2032, the new IOC president must negotiate lucrative agreements that reflect the evolving media landscape. Diversification is key , expanding partnerships with digital platforms and exploring new revenue models, such as subscription-based content and licensing, will be vital.
Additionally, sponsorship strategies must evolve to align with shifting consumer values. Companies increasingly prioritise sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility. The IOC must ensure that its commercial partnerships reflect these priorities while maintaining the financial strength needed to support Olympic athletes and organisers.
Digital revolution
With global audiences increasingly consuming content via streaming platforms, social media, and interactive experiences, the IOC must modernise its approach. The new president must rethink content delivery, prioritising accessibility and engagement across multiple digital channels. Leveraging new technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and personalised content could help attract younger viewers, ensuring the Games remain relevant for future generations.
Digital expansion provides opportunities for sustainability by reducing reliance on physical infrastructure, travel, and traditional broadcasting methods. Finding innovative ways to engage fans while cutting environmental impact will be key to the future of Olympic media strategy.
Climate change
The climate crisis poses an existential threat to global sport, and the Olympics are no exception. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events increasingly disrupt competitions, making environmental responsibility a critical priority for the new president. Future host cities must implement bold sustainability measures, from carbon-neutral infrastructure to zero-waste initiatives.
Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 laid the groundwork with green initiatives, but the IOC must push further. Encouraging sustainable bidding processes, mandating greener logistics, and setting ambitious carbon-reduction targets are crucial steps. The Olympic Movement has the potential to be a leader in sustainability, but only with firm and decisive leadership at the helm.
Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
-Reuters
