Seb Coe defends his IOC presidential bid, emphasising his experience in sports and politics while dismissing concerns about his age.
World Athletics president Seb Coe has explained why his age should not be a worrying factor as he vies for the International Olympic Committee presidency.
Outgoing President Thomas Bach revealed that it would be great to have a younger person take over the reigns of the IOC but Seb Coe believes he is a perfect fit for the job and the only thing he can’t do is become younger at this time.
Seb Coe bragged about having been in politics and sports business for years and he has all the experience needed to lead the IOC.
Coach Duncan Ayiemba revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges, including unexpected changes in Ferdinand Omanyala’s support team, that led to his disappointing performance in Budapest.
Seb Coe was first elected as president of World Athletics in 2015 and then re-elected in 2023 for a third and final term, ending in 2027.
The former athlete also led the bid for London to host the 2012 Olympic Games, something that worked out perfectly for him and he brags about to date.
“There are a lot of things I can do, taking years off my age is not one of them. I’m not sure that is a particularly time-effective way of going about it,” Seb Coe said in an interview with ABC Sport.
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“Experience is important and I guess the experience I place before the members with respect and openness, very genuinely is that I have been an Olympic athlete.
“I chaired a national Olympic committee, I’ve won a bid a brought the most successful games to London, that we could possibly have imagined.”
He added that athletics is the number one Olympic sport and he has been able to deliver in every single Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The 68-year-old further pointed out that having been an Olympic athlete himself, he understands the dynamics of chairing the International Olympic Committee to make it athlete-focused.
“I have spent seven years delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games and I’ve chaired the number one Olympic sport,” Seb Coe added.
“I’ve spent 30 years in the sports marketing business and I’ve also been a government minister so I think that is what is on the table.”
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The International Olympic Committee elections will be held during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 144th IOC Session held from March 18 to 21 in Greece.
Seb Coe will be up against Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Kirsty Coventry, Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs and Morinari Watanabe.
