Sebastian Coe, the current president of World Athletics, is seeking to set himself apart in the race for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a recent interview, Coe explained that his candidacy is driven not by a desire for prestige or power, but by his lifelong passion for sports and his commitment to reforming global athletics. He emphasized that his vision for the future of the IOC is rooted in values such as transparency, gender equality, and a focus on athletes.
When reflecting on his tenure as World Athletics president, which began in 2015 after the World Championships in Beijing, Coe highlighted the challenges he faced in the early days. He noted that, when he first entered office, the organization was in disarray and needed significant reform. Despite the pressure and difficult circumstances, Coe believes that his ability to handle adversity and drive change played a key role in the organization’s success.
“The first two years were pretty horrible,” Coe admitted, referring to the difficult period of rebuilding the organization. “It was those first two years that I spent probably making sure the ship didn’t sink.” His focus during this time was on cleaning up the sport and ensuring that it was free from corruption. He also turned his attention to making World Athletics a more inclusive and progressive organization, prioritizing gender equality within the governing body.
One of Coe’s major achievements as president of World Athletics has been the implementation of gender balance within the leadership structure. He proudly pointed out that World Athletics is the only major sporting body in the world to have achieved a gender rule, with a council made up of 50% men and 50% women. This achievement was not the result of quotas but rather was based on a commitment to competence and fairness in the election of council members.
“I’m very proud that we are the only sporting organisation in the world that has a gender-balanced counsel, 13 men and women,” Coe shared. “They were elected through competence and that’s what I stand for.” He emphasized that his approach has always been one of inclusivity and meritocracy, values that he would bring to the IOC presidency if elected.
Coe also highlighted his long-standing connection to the Olympic movement, both as an athlete and as a leader. Having competed in the Olympics himself, he understands the challenges that athletes face and is passionate about representing their interests on the global stage. His candidacy for the IOC presidency is rooted in his belief that the organization needs a leader who is truly committed to the athletes and who can bring about meaningful change in the global sports landscape.
“I’ve been in training for this role for the bulk of my life,” Coe said, describing his lifelong commitment to athletics and his vision for the future of the IOC. He believes that the IOC needs a president who not only understands the intricacies of sport governance but also has the passion and experience to drive positive change.
Coe faces tough competition in the race for the IOC presidency, with other candidates such as HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Kirsty Coventry, Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, Juan Antonio Samaranch, and Morinari Watanabe also vying for the top position. The elections will take place during the 143rd IOC Session in Greece, scheduled for March 18 to 21.
Ultimately, Coe’s message is clear: his candidacy is not about securing a prestigious title, but about bringing about meaningful reform and representing the interests of athletes worldwide. With a track record of driving change in World Athletics, Coe is determined to bring the same passion and vision to the IOC presidency, if given the opportunity.
