The International Olympic Committee will officially change its president on June 23. After twelve years of loyal service, Thomas Bach will pass the torch to Kirsty Coventry.The actions of the German, the ninth president in the institution's history, have been widely praised in recent months. Russia, on the other hand, will not mourn his departure. Relegated to the sidelines since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it has repeatedly criticized Thomas Bach. And, with the arrival of Kirsty Coventry, sees hope of turning a new page.
Putin putting pressure
Moscow might have preferred the election to crown Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who has promised to reintegrate Russia "at the minute" where it would return within the framework defined by the IOC. Russians will nevertheless be satisfied to see a new face in Lausanne. Vladimir Putin was quick to communicate to congratulate the Zimbabwean. "The results of the vote reflect your high authority in the world of sport and the recognition of your remarkable personal achievements. I am confident that your unique experience and your interest in truly promoting the noble Olympic ideals will contribute to your success in this position of such responsibility.", wrote the Russian president a few hours after the election. The emphasis on Olympic ideals – and, between the lines, on the principle of uniting all nations – is undoubtedly not insignificant…
His Minister of Sports, Mikhail Degtyarev, also put pressure on the future IOC leader. Praising her brilliant sporting career, her Olympic victories, her records, and her contributions to the development of sport, he above all shared his expectations, namely "that the Olympic movement becomes stronger, more independent and more prosperous, and that Russia returns to the Olympic podium".He added another layer on the Rossiya-24 television channel. "I'm ready to fly to Lausanne at any time. I'm sure we'll have a meeting in the coming weeks", he said.
The countdown to Milan-Cortina
The thorny issue of Russia quickly came up for Kirsty Coventry, who left the door open, expressing her wish to discuss the issue collectively. "I am opposed to banning countries, but I think each situation must be taken into account, she replied on Sky News. What I would like to do is set up a working group that would work to define policies and a framework that the movement could use to make decisions when faced with conflicts. How are we going to protect and support athletes? How are we going to ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to come to the Olympic Games?" Adding that ultimately, "it is better for our movement to ensure that all athletes are represented.".
The future IOC president will have to get her hands dirty without too much delay. The IOC has yet to decide on the participation of Russians and Belarusians in the next Winter Games, which begin in ten months. She won't officially become president until June, but Thomas Bach has assured that Coventry will be involved in all major decisions between now and then, and that her opinion will prevail in the event of disagreements. The IOC's decision will therefore inevitably be approved by its future president. The International Ice Hockey Federation is pressing ahead, as it is waiting for the matter to be resolved in April to determine whether the Russian teams will be included in the tournament, or whether other teams will be drafted in. The clock is ticking, and Kirsty Coventry will have to quickly demonstrate her ability to take responsibility.
