Juan Antonio Samaranch Downplays Favorite Status Ahead of IOC Presidential Election

Juan Antonio Samaranch is a candidate in the IOC presidential election, downplaying his favorite status. The race is competitive, focusing on Samaranch, Sebastian Coe, and Kirsty Coventry, with Coventry poised to make history as the first female president. The election, which remains unpredictable, will officially conclude with the announcement of the new president on June 23.

On the eve of the Olympic election, IOC presidential candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch has chosen to downplay his status as a potential favorite. Speaking in Costa Navarino, Greece, Samaranch acknowledged media predictions regarding his candidacy but stated, “I really don’t know.” The presidential race is considered unusually open, with a focus on Samaranch, alongside Olympic legends Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry, as the leading contenders.

Kirsty Coventry, the sports minister of Zimbabwe, has the potential to make history as the first woman and first African IOC president. When asked about the suitability of a female president, she expressed her support for change, proclaiming, “Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens.” The candidate pool consists of seven individuals, with Coventry and Samaranch assumed to be leading, while others include Prince Feisal al Hussein, Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, and Morinari Watanabe.

The voting process involves 109 IOC members, whose preferences remain largely unpredictable. Veteran observers believe that although Coventry may secure a strong initial voter bloc, she might fall short of an outright majority, enabling Samaranch to gain votes in subsequent rounds. Samaranch emphasized the importance of confidentiality in voting, urging members to exercise their rights without succumbing to external pressures.

Both Coe and Coventry have made appearances before the media during the IOC’s annual meeting. Coe humorously remarked on his readiness, saying, “I’m in good shape but it’s only lunchtime,” while urging thoughtful consideration among voters regarding the future direction of the Olympic movement. The candidates have faced a tightly controlled campaign, limiting their engagement to a single formal event in January, without subsequent opportunities for direct questions from voters.

The result of the election will be publicly announced, with the new president officially taking office on June 23, coinciding with Olympic Day. As Samaranch highlighted, the key challenge ahead will be to ensure “successful and relevant Olympic Games,” especially with major events like the 2026 Winter Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games approaching.

In summary, the upcoming IOC presidential election has unfolded as one of the most competitive in the organization’s history. Amidst various candidates, Samaranch’s strategy points toward the significance of careful voting and future-focused leadership, reflecting the evolving landscape of the Olympics.

The article provides an overview of the IOC presidential election, emphasizing Juan Antonio Samaranch’s position as a candidate while playing down his favorite status. It highlights Kirsty Coventry’s potential to make history, the unpredictability of voter preferences, and the challenges that lie ahead for the next president. As the candidates prepare for the election, key themes of leadership and the importance of successful Olympic events are central to the discussions.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com