The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to elect its 10th president on Thursday, with one of seven contenders vying for the position. The new leader will inherit a complex landscape marked by heightened geopolitical uncertainty, questions over the Olympic movement’s direction in the 21st century, and increased scrutiny on issues like gender identity and equality.
Russia’s reintegration into the Olympic fold is already on the agenda, with the IOC considering whether to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under neutral flags. This decision comes after the organization approved allowing these athletes to compete in international sports tournaments last year.
The new president will also face challenges navigating the Trump administration’s unpredictable leadership style, particularly in relation to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The US president’s direct approach may test the IOC’s resolve on issues like visa denials and gender interpretations.
A contentious issue is the participation of athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) and transgender athletes. There is currently no clear framework between the IOC and International Federations regarding their participation, leading to confusion among athletes and stakeholders.
The new president will have eight years to implement changes, including standardized rules for all sports based on firm scientific evidence. The selection of host cities for future Games, including the 2036 Summer Olympics, will also be a key priority.
Climate concerns are becoming increasingly prominent in decision-making, and a review of the global sports calendar may be undertaken to allow more interested parties to bid for the Games. The IOC may also explore new forms of delivering the Games to audiences around the world, embracing technological transformation to cater to a younger, digital-minded audience.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/20/sport/ioc-president-next-challenges-spt/index.html