Olympic Champions and Royalty Compete for IOC Presidency

Two former Olympic champions, a Middle Eastern prince, and the son of a former IOC president are vying to become the next International Olympic Committee president. The IOC revealed a list of seven candidates on Monday, competing to replace Thomas Bach in March. Among them is Kirsty Coventry, the only woman in the race, aiming to lead an organization that has had only male presidents in its 130-year history.

Coventry and Sebastian Coe are two-time Olympic gold medalists in swimming and running, respectively. Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., whose father led the IOC for 21 years, are also contenders. Leading sports federations' heads, including David Lappartient (cycling), Morinari Watanabe (gymnastics), and Johan Eliasch (skiing), are in the race, with Coe serving as president of World Athletics.

Candidates needed to submit letters of intent to Bach by Sunday, with the final list expected in January. The election will occur in Greece between March 18-21, near Ancient Olympia's historic site. Only IOC members can stand as candidates, and decisions will be made by a voting body of 111 members. The IOC, known for its exclusivity, includes royalty, sports leaders, athletes, politicians, diplomats, and industrialists, such as billionaire Eliasch. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)