Sebastian Coe Considers Running for IOC President

PARIS (AP) — Olympic running champion and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has expressed interest in potentially succeeding Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe, who organized the successful London Olympics in 2012, acknowledged the possibility when asked about his candidacy following Bach's unexpected announcement that he would step down in 2025. At 67, Coe's age may be a factor in the upcoming election, but his extensive experience within the Olympic movement positions him as a notable contender. Despite his qualifications, Coe may face challenges as an outsider candidate due to his stances on various contentious issues, including doping regulations, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and athlete compensation. His decision to award $50,000 prizes to Olympic winners this year drew mixed reactions from sports leaders, highlighting the complexities of his leadership style. In a recent news conference, Coe emphasized that he has not yet made a definitive decision regarding his candidacy. “I’ve always made it clear that if an opportunity arose, I’d obviously give it serious thought,” he stated. With Bach's announcement creating a significant shift in the IOC's leadership landscape, Coe's potential candidacy could reshape the future of the organization. As the Olympic community anticipates the upcoming election, Coe's deliberation on whether to run will be closely watched, given his influential role in athletics and the broader implications for the IOC's direction.