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≡ IOC ELECTION ≡
There are a lot of restrictions on what the seven International Olympic Committee members who are candidates in next March’s presidential elections can do to campaign. But there are no restrictions on interviews and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (GBR) has been making the rounds.
He answered questions from the SportsIn site, which focused on his program if elected, but also on some of the hurdles in front of him.
● First and foremost is the question of age. Currently 68, Coe can serve on the IOC until age 70, and could be elected to a four-year extension of the age limit to 2030. As the IOC President serves an eight-year first term, the next head will serve from 2025 to 2033, he would require a change of rules. He’s clear that should happen:
“I respect the IOC rules but I honestly feel the age restrictions look rather outdated when compared to other organisations and institutions globally. The way I see it, with age comes experience and if you have the energy, enthusiasm and willpower – three things I’ve never been short of – then you’re young enough to do the job whatever your date of birth.”
● He was also asked about the controversial payment of prize money – $50,000 – for the track & field gold medalists in Paris, which was met with considerable discomfort among other federations. Coe was clear he would do the same thing, but in a different way:
“I have reflected upon the recent decision to announce prize money at the Olympic Games for our athletes. I believe, as I think many others do, that the athletes – whose performances at the Olympic Games generate revenue for the Olympic movement through broadcast, commercial and ticketing – should be recognised.
“In hindsight the way it was announced was discourteous. For that I have apologised to the ASOIF Executive Council of which I am a member and other International Federation Presidents at the recent IF Forum and at ANOC [General Assembly] in Portugal.”
● Coe also promoted the idea that the IOC members need to be empowered to do more, a concept which could be a vote-getter:
“I believe the key to building a sustainable, commercially successful future is empowering the IOC members, the athletes, sports federations and NOCs. If we expect them to take responsibility for the Games and contribute fully to its future, we must give them a stake – they deserve and need to be sure their input really matters and drives change. That means trusting the IOC members to make good decisions, supporting the athletes to strive for outstanding performance, realise their potential and not suffer financial hardship because of their sacrifices and commitment. …
“You just have to look around an IOC Congress room to see the range of experience, expertise and talent there is, not just in sport but in a range of professions, commercial and non-commercial, across all territories. These brains need to be at the centre of decision and policy making in the Olympic Movement. Striving for the best should be about prioritising excellence over everything else as this sits at the core of the Olympic values.”
● Coe, who has a long history in sports marketing, was also asked about the TOP sponsorship program, with the three Japan-based sponsors – Bridgestone, Panasonic and Toyota – deciding not to renew.
“The Games are a commercial success story but it’s no secret that some sponsors have walked away recently and I do wonder if there may be opportunities to do more to deliver value for partners on whom we depend.
“There are great opportunities to partner with smart businesses if the proposition is right and valued which is clearly not a one-size fits all structure. And the great thing about world class businesses is that they tend to hire world class people. So, we have an added incentive and opportunity to mix their world class people with our world class membership.”
The candidate statements have not yet been published and Coe is one of seven candidates for the IOC Presidency, with the decision to be made next March at the IOC Session in Greece.
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