Athletics body chief Sebastian Coe considers IOC presidency bid

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has announced that he will give “serious thought” to the possibility of running for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This consideration comes as current IOC President Thomas Bach, who has been at the helm since 2013, declared that he will not seek a third term. Bach, who is 70 years old, expressed his belief that “new times are calling for new leaders” during a recent IOC session.

Coe, who is currently serving his third and final term as head of World Athletics until 2027, has long been mentioned as a potential successor to Bach. In a statement to reporters, Coe confirmed his willingness to contemplate the role if the opportunity presents itself. “I’ve always made it clear that if the opportunity arose, I will obviously give it serious thought,” Coe said. “The opportunity has arisen and clearly I need to think about that. Of course, I’m going to consider this.”