Lord Coe to run for IOC president

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has expressed interest in potentially succeeding Thomas Bach as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after Bach announced his intention to step down in 2025. Coe, a two-time Olympic champion and a prominent figure in the Olympic movement, stated he would give 'serious thought' to the opportunity, citing his extensive experience in organizing Olympic events and leading in athletics. While not officially declaring his candidacy, Coe acknowledged that the election process is governed by specific timelines, indicating that his consideration is preliminary. At 67, Coe's age may be seen as a disadvantage, and his previous decisions, such as awarding significant prize money to Olympic gold medallists, have drawn mixed reactions from the sports community. Coe emphasizes the importance of having a diverse range of qualified candidates for the role as the IOC prepares for new leadership. The election for the new IOC president will take place in March 2025, with Coe's current term as president of World Athletics ending in 2027.