World athletics president Coe contemplates IOC presidential bid

Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, has hinted at the possibility of running for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following the announcement by current president Thomas Bach that he will step down after his second term ends in 2025.

While Coe stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy during a press conference in Paris, he acknowledged that he would “of course” consider the opportunity as it arises.

Speaking on the 40th anniversary of his iconic 1500 meters Olympic gold medal victory in Los Angeles, Coe expressed his long-standing commitment to the Olympic Movement.

“Look, I’ve always made it clear that if the opportunity arose I would obviously give it a serious thought,” he stated, reflecting on his extensive experience within the Olympic framework. Coe is currently in the first year of his third and final term as president of World Athletics, a position he secured unopposed last summer.

Bach, who has held the IOC presidency since 2013, made headlines during the IOC’s 142nd Session by announcing his decision to step down, emphasizing the need for new leadership. “After 12 years in the office of IOC president, our organization is best served with a change in leadership,” he remarked. The new president is expected to be elected in March 2025 during the IOC members’ meeting in Greece, taking office in June.

Coe, reflecting on his qualifications for the role, noted, “I’ve been privileged to compete in an Olympic Games, I’ve chaired a National Olympic Committee, and I now have the best job in the world as president of the number one Olympic sport.”

He indicated that his diverse experiences could serve the IOC well but refrained from making any definitive commitments regarding his candidacy, stating, “The decision, the announcement was made yesterday. So, no. But, as I’ve said, of course I am going to consider.”

Encouraging a competitive election process, Coe expressed his desire for a diverse pool of candidates. “I will encourage others to consider that within the Movement, because choice is important. I take that very seriously, and I think the membership needs to have a good range of qualified people to look at,” he added.

Coe’s illustrious athletic career includes four Olympic medals, making him the only man to win back-to-back 1500m titles at the Olympics in 1980 and 1984, along with an 800m silver in both Moscow and Los Angeles.

His leadership experience extends beyond his athletic accomplishments; he chaired the successful bid for the London 2012 Olympics and served as the organizing committee’s chair for those Games.

Elected President of World Athletics in 2015, Coe has been a pivotal figure in the governance of athletics globally.