Inside the IOC Presidential Election: A Look Behind the Curtain

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stands as one of the most influential organizations in global sports, shaping the Olympic Movement and fostering international unity through sport. With the upcoming presidential election in March, the process by which the next leader is chosen has drawn attention—particularly for its closed-door nature, as highlighted in a recent article by The New York Times.

As someone who has served within the IOC for decades, I want to take this opportunity to offer insight into how this process works, why it is structured as it is, and how the next president will shape the future of the Olympic Movement.

The IOC presidential election is conducted by secret ballot, with votes cast by the 109 members who represent a diverse range of countries, sports, and professions. These members are entrusted with selecting the individual who will lead the organization for an eight-year term (renewable once for four additional years).

Candidates must abide by strict election rules established to maintain neutrality, prevent external influence, and ensure fairness. These rules include:

✅ Prohibit public campaigning – Candidates cannot hold debates, receive endorsements from IOC members, or openly criticize each other’s platforms.
✅ Limit direct engagement – Candidates present their vision in a private setting, ensuring that members evaluate them based on their ideas rather than external pressures.
✅ Emphasize discretion – Members vote in secret to prevent political maneuvering or outside interference.

While some may see this process as overly restrictive, its goal is to keep the Olympic Movement free from excessive political and commercial pressures that could otherwise overshadow the values of sport.

The IOC president wields considerable influence—not just in overseeing the Olympic Games but also in shaping global sports policy, fostering diplomacy, and navigating complex issues like doping regulations, human rights concerns, and financial negotiations (such as broadcasting rights, which generate significant in revenue).

The next president will face the responsibility for overseeing major projects, including:
🏟️ Ensuring the success of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and future Games.
📺 Negotiating crucial U.S. television rights deals that will impact Olympic funding for years.
🛑 Addressing global anti-doping conflicts and maintaining fair competition.
🤝 Strengthening the IOC’s role as a diplomatic force in an increasingly divided world.

While some call for more transparency in the election process, it is important to recognize the unique structure of the IOC. Unlike governments or corporate entities, the IOC is a nonprofit, independent body that must balance tradition, neutrality, and modern governance. The election process reflects this balance, even as discussions continue about potential reforms.

Regardless of who is elected, the goal remains the same: to protect and promote the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. The next IOC president will have the responsibility—and the privilege—of guiding the Olympic Movement into the future.

— Anita  ✨🏅
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