There is no doubt about it: Sebastian Coe has launched his campaign for the presidency of the IOC. The Briton was present last month at the Forum of International Federations in Lausanne, then at the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in Portugal. Normal. Less usual, he multiplies interventions in the media to present his position and his ideas on the Olympic body, on the Games and on their future. The latest: a long interview given to the site Sportsin. Sebastian Coe is careful to avoid criticizing the Thomas Bach years. But he explains: " The Olympic Games are the greatest sporting spectacle in the world and Paris 2024 has proven how exciting and rewarding they can be. But I feel the Games are not doing enough to engage the next generation, to capture the imagination of young people so they dream of becoming Olympians. We risk focusing on narrow debates that distract us from the core message – Faster, Higher, Stronger Together." Not wrong. The World Athletics president also suggests that the IOC administration might have to change if he were elected next March. "I think there needs to be stability, but not at the expense of thoughtful change, he explains. We need to look at the structures, processes and culture in place to ensure that IOC members, NOCs and IFs are at the decision-making tables. In the same way that I have done in other organisations, I would like to look at the structure of the headquarters to ensure that it is as effective and efficient as possible. It will come as no surprise to you that I think it is time to look at ways to redistribute the money generated by the Games to those who generate the revenue – the athletes, the National Olympic Committees and the International Federations. These conversations are happening, and have been happening, behind closed doors within all three groups. So let’s be more open and transparent and properly consider the risks and opportunities.”
