Morinari Watanabe is one of seven candidates for the IOC presidency, who will be put to a vote by the organization's members on March 20. The Japanese, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, stood out during the campaign by putting forward surprising, even revolutionary, proposals, such asto organize the Olympic Games on five continents at the same time.The 66-year-old leader, an IOC member since 2018, answered questions from FrancsJeux to develop his vision.
Why do you want to become IOC President?
I have always aimed for first place when I wanted to achieve something. This is the goal I have set for myself throughout my life, and it is no different in my career in sport. As FIG President, I expanded the scope of gymnastics' activities. As IOC President, I want to continue realizing the potential of sports.
What would be the three priorities of your mandate?
Improve the democratization, transparency, and integrity of the IOC. Improve the environment for athletes, both active and retired. And increase the presence of sport in each country by increasing the presence of NOCs.
What would you put in place in the short term, by the end of 2025?
First, clarify and publicize the issues the IOC is currently facing. Then, establish a task force to address these issues, create an action plan, and publicly share the progress made toward resolving them. I want to address at least half of these issues within the first year. No company or organization is always the best. The important thing is to continue evolving, understand the current situation, plan for the future, and create the best environment.
More and more events are favouring joint bids and organisation between several countries. Is this a feasible and desirable path for the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
I believe this should be the case. I go even further in my manifesto, proposing to organize the Olympic Games on all five continents at the same time.
What would be your position on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in Milan-Cortina 2026?
As long as the war continues, they should participate neutrally.
The Olympic future of boxing, an iconic sport, is uncertain. Do you think that the efforts undertaken by World Boxing are enough to keep boxing on the programme?
Boxing has fans all over the world. I believe it should be an Olympic sport, both for historical reasons and because of its popularity. I chaired the Tokyo 2020 boxing working group. The important thing is to respect each other. I listened to everyone's opinions and made adjustments. I exchanged opinions with all the officials, coaches, referees, and athletes from each country. Everyone loves boxing and works for boxing.
Isn't being Japanese a disadvantage after three Japanese companies decided to leave the TOP program?
On the contrary, I think being Japanese is a point of differentiation. The nine presidents of the IOC, which has existed for over 130 years, have all been from Europe or the United States. I can bring a different perspective to the organization. Many Japanese companies love the Olympic Games. 81 sponsors have paid over 400 billion yen in sponsorship rights for Tokyo 2020. There's a reason Japanese companies left the IOC. If this issue is resolved, Japanese companies will continue to support the Olympic Games.
