IOC members never stop voting. After the host city of the 2020 Games, Saturday, then the sport admitted to the Olympic program, the next day, they must return to the polls on Tuesday to choose their new president. Jacques Rogge bows out after 12 years in the place. To succeed him, six men applied. A record for the Olympic institution. Which one will win? FrancsJeux paints a portrait of its six applicants, detailing their opportunities and their weaknesses.
Thomas Bach. Germany. 59 years old.
The favourite. The first, too, to declare himself. President of the German Olympic Committee, this former fencer, medalist in foil at the Montreal Games in 1976, has been preparing his case for several years. In particular, he would have filled up the votes in Africa, a continent devoid of candidates.
Its advantages. His network of influence, his position as vice-president and member of the IOC Executive Commission, his army of consultants and the presence at his side, or rather in his shadow, of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, one of the most influential men in the movement.
His weaknesses. A media campaign not to its advantage in Germany, the effects of the revelations of widespread doping in former West Germany, the support that was a little too strong from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
Sergei Bubka. Ukraine. 49 years.
The most media-friendly. The former pole vaulter entered the battle a little by surprise, although he was expected to run for the presidency of the IAAF. But his campaign was one of the most noticed.
Its advantages. He is the youngest of the six candidates, the best known to the general public, one of the most charismatic. Has a solid network, particularly in Eastern Europe, and some very wealthy friends.
His weaknesses. His youth, both in age and in the Olympic institution. His relative ignorance of the workings of the IOC.
Richard Carrion. Porto Rico. 60 years.
The businessman. A banker with a colossal fortune, the Puerto Rican has carved out a solid reputation within the IOC by negotiating, always upwards, the amount of television rights for the Olympic Games.
Its advantages. Money. By voting for him, the members of the IOC ensure that the institution continues to lead a great pace. Only candidate from the American continent.
His weaknesses. His campaign was discreet, even transparent. His program lacks originality.
Ser Miang Ng. Singapore. 64 years old.
The diplomat. One of the two Asian candidates in the campaign, he has worked in business and diplomacy, a dual role always useful within the IOC.
Its advantages. Should it rally some of the Asian votes? And he can count on the support of Jacques Rogge for having brilliantly organized the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, an invention of the Belgian leader.
His weaknesses. Like CK Wu, Tokyo's victory for the 2020 Games could do him a disservice, with the IOC risking being reluctant to vote a second time in four days in favor of the Asian continent.
Denis Oswald. Swiss. 66 years old.
The French speaker. The future former president of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) is the only French speaker in the race. He is also one of the oldest in the place, having been a member of the IOC for 22 years.
Its advantages. A perfect knowledge of the workings of the system, having occupied almost all possible functions within the institution. Very unifying, he doesn't drag any pots around.
His weaknesses. He intended to cast a wide net among voters in French-speaking Africa, but he realized that Thomas Bach had gone before him.
CK Wu. Taiwan. 66 years old.
President. Of the six candidates, he is the only one to preside over an international federation (Denis Oswald, the boss of world rowing, will hand over the keys in the coming months), that of boxing (AIBA). A position that could serve the interests of this trained architect.
Its advantages. It should attract a share of the votes of Asia. Never made a secret of his desire, if elected, to bring the Games to Africa.
His weaknesses. Same as for Ser Miang Ng, his victory would clearly make the IOC lean too much towards Asia.
