By mid-day today, we will know whether the International Olympic Committee will break tradition and shake up the Boys Club at Chateau de Vidy.
Will the youngest candidate—at just 41 years old—and the first African woman to vie for the position become the next President? We sure hope the name announced will be Kirsty Coventry! This is not just another election—this is a moment loaded with potential.
If Kirsty Coventry wins, she will make history in more ways than one: – First woman ever to lead the IOC. – First African, representing a fresh perspective for global sports leadership.
– At 41, the youngest candidate, embodying the true spirit of the Olympic Games: a celebration of youth and vigour. But make no mistake—it is no cakewalk. Kirsty’s up against six seasoned contenders: Juan Antonio Samaranch (ESP): 65 Sebastian Coe (GBR): 68 Johan Eliasch (GBR): 63 David Lappartient (FRA): 51 Prince Feisal Al-Hussein (JOR): 61 Morinari Watanabe (JPN): 66 Each of these candidates is in it to the finish, making today’s voting an intriguing battle.
A total of 109 IOC members are eligible to vote, but for the first round, a maximum of 92 voters will participate. Why? The candidates themselves (7) and IOC members from their respective countries—France (3), Great Britain (2), Japan (2), and Spain (2)—will sit out. Even President Thomas Bach will not cast a vote unless there is a tie in the final decider. In this tight contest, the magic number to secure a first-round win is *47 votes*.
If elected, Kirsty will oversee a jaw-dropping *US$18 billion IOC income* projected through 2036—and that is not a typo, friends.
She will still have a year left in her term when that financial cycle wraps up. Imagine the responsibility of distributing those billions “equitably” while navigating the formidable world of “mega personalities” like Xi Jinping, Comrade Putin, and beyond. A Boys Club? Kirsty’s about to kick open the door and pull up a chair at their table.
The Games have always been about celebrating youth, but this time, it is their leadership that is being redefined.
Kirsty isn’t just young—she is what the IOC needs to stay relevant in a fast-changing world. Fresh ideas, fresh energy, and the credibility of a proven champion.
So as The Conclave smokes away tomorrow, many will root for the name that will signal a new era for the IOC.
White smoke, black smoke—it doesn’t matter as long as we hear the name of their candidate as the winner.
New Ziana
