Sebastian Coe Charges for IOC Crown: From Track Titan to Global Sports Leadership

At 68, British Olympic legend Sebastian Coe is embarking on the most important race of his life—his campaign for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe is one of seven candidates vying to succeed Thomas Bach and take the helm of global sport’s highest governing body at the 144th IOC Session in Greece on March 20.

“In many ways, I feel like I’ve been preparing for this my entire life,” Coe admits. From Olympic gold medalist to Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, to President of World Athletics, combined with political experience and three decades in sports business, his career spans nearly every key role in the Olympic ecosystem. He emphasizes that this is not merely a responsibility, but a mission.

As a two-time Olympic 1500m champion and former holder of 11 world records, Coe has consistently championed the principle of “putting athletes at the heart”. He believes athletes are the soul of the Olympic Movement and role models who inspire the world. He insists the Olympics must always prioritize athletes’ interests, ensuring fair, safe, inclusive competitions that promote peace.

Explaining his decision to run, Coe revealed that he only seriously considered entering the race after the closing of the Paris 2024 Games, when Thomas Bach confirmed he would not seek another term. With his family’s full support, Coe chose to embrace the challenge. “If there’s an opportunity to contribute more to the Olympic Movement, I have a duty to take it,” he said.

Coe acknowledges the many pressing challenges facing the Olympics today—policies on transgender athletes, prize money distribution, anti-doping enforcement, the integration of artificial intelligence, and participation of athletes from conflict zones. His mission, he says, is to safeguard fairness and justice while upholding the Olympic values. He believes all reforms must return to the fundamental principle of fair play and the protection of athletes’ rights.

Currently an IOC member and President of World Athletics, Coe expresses confidence in leading the IOC towards greater transparency and credibility. His campaign is viewed as a balance between reform and stability for the Olympic Movement. He also pledges to respect the democratic choices of IOC members.

“This is the most important race of my life,” Coe said. With less than two weeks until the vote, the legendary runner is once again at the starting line, sprinting toward the summit of Olympic power