Sebastian Coe: Protecting female sport is 'non-negotiable' says IOC president candidate

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Lord Sebastian Co Eager to Succeed Thomas Bach as President of the International Olympic Committee

Lord Sebastian Co, the current President of World Athletics, has announced his bid to succeed Thomas Bach as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a recent interview, Co expressed his confidence in his readiness for the challenge, citing his extensive experience in navigating complex global issues.

Preparedness and Priorities

When asked if he’s ever been more prepared for a race, Co replied, "I do have to present a Manifesto in the next month or so, and I will be very clear about the direction I think the organization needs to go. The most important thing for me is that we have some very big challenges ahead, such as commercial and broadcast challenges, as well as a complicated geopolitical landscape."

Co also addressed his track record on issues like doping in Russia and the protection of women’s sport, stating that "integrity is the cornerstone of my campaign. If you don’t protect the female category, you will lose female sport, and that is not something I’m prepared to sit idly by."

Implications of a Trump Presidency

The IOC election takes place in March, with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles just around the corner. Co addressed the potential impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on the games, stating that "I will talk to him in the way that I would talk to any leader of a country staging an Olympic Games, but his opinions may jar with some people."

Co emphasized his focus on hosting successful games, saying that "I cannot imagine he would not want those games to be huge successes."

Competing Interests

In addition to his IOC presidential bid, Co is also the chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which focuses on redeveloping the iconic Manchester United stadium. When asked if he had the time and energy for both roles, Co assured that "I have the energy, I certainly have the time, and I absolutely have the focus."

Tough Election Ahead

While Co is a serial winner with a reputation for delivering successful events, he acknowledges that the election will be tough. With seven candidates vying for the position, Co emphasized the need for a strong campaign, stating that "I think I’ve done a great job, and I think I’ve done it consistently, but the IOC election is a completely different ball game."

With the deadline for the release of his Manifesto set for the end of January, Co is under pressure to present a compelling case for his presidency. If successful, he will succeed Thomas Bach as IOC President in September.