Seb Coe enters race to become IOC president

World Athletics president is up against six rivals when it comes to succeeding International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach in March

Sebastian Coe says he is “excited and honoured” to run for the presidency of the IOC in 2025.

With Thomas Bach stepping down, Coe is one of seven candidates.

Coe said: “I’m excited and honoured to share with you that I’ll be running for the Presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as announced by the IOC a short while ago.

“Olympic sport is fundamental to my DNA. I had the privilege of being a double Olympic Champion, I’ve chaired an Olympic and Paralympic Games – London 2012 – from bid, through delivery and legacy implementation, I’ve chaired a National Olympic Committee, the BOA, and I’ve led an international federation through some turbulent times, retaining athletics’ position as a cornerstone of the Olympic Games.

“Sport plays a critical role in driving and maintaining the health and fitness of people, young and old, in every country around the world. But it faces significant challenges on multiple fronts.

“The Covid years saw many people struggle through inactivity and many sports organisations suffer through lack of funds. We need to invest more in both over the next decade.

“A laser like focus on sport must be the priority for the IOC. I believe I can help achieve this and more.

“I’ll release a detailed manifesto in the coming weeks so the voting members are able to understand what I stand for and believe in.”

The other candidates include: David Lappartient, president of cycling’s governing body; Morinari Watanabe, head of the gymnastics governing body; Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation; Kirsty Coventry, IOC executive board member and former swimmer from Zimbabwe; Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan; and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, whose father was IOC president for 21 years.

Only IOC members are eligible to stand as candidates, with votes cast by the rest of the 111-strong membership of the Olympic body.