IOC Presidential Candidates reply to WOA Open Letter
20 | 3 | 2025
Three candidates of the seven standing to become the next IOC President at Thursday’s election have sent in replies to the Open Letter sent to all the candidates by the WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY.
In his reply, Mr Morinari Watanabe said that “the IOC needs to be a more open organization and that he would like “to increase the presence of sport by strengthening the relationship between the IOC and the IFs, WOA, etc.” He also said he wanted to give Olympians “more opportunities than ever before to get involved and contribute to all phases of the Olympic Games, before, during and after the Games.”
HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein said that he would “establish workshops for athletes to actively contribute to the development of Olympic Agenda 2036” and that he would “engage our broadcast and commercial partners on how we can help athletes create content around their Olympic experience.” He said that through “open dialogue, and collaboration with our stakeholders, we can collaboratively design a future that better values their voice, their well-being, and their participation, recognising the crucial role they play.”
Lord Sebastian Coe said that “I believe the role of Olympic alumni is extremely important to the Olympic movement” and that the IOC should “create shared-value models where athletes benefit from the Games’ commercial success, recognising them as essential partners.” He also added that he would “ensure athletes have meaningful decision-making representation” within the IOC.
WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY said: “We are very pleased that the candidates are recognising that the Olympians and the WOA play a crucial role in the Olympic Movement and the work of the IOC. We look forward to working closely with the new IOC President and their team for the benefit of Olympians, the Olympic Movement and society in general.”
As a reminder. the Open Letter from the WOA to the candidates asked the following questions:
- How do you intend to ensure that Olympians are truly at the heart of the IOC’s activities
- What is your vision for a strong, collaborative, and equitable partnership between our two independent organisations
- Would you support initiatives such as free medical screenings and health checks for all competitors before, during, and after the Olympic Games, including free or subsidised medical insurance for life for Olympian
- Do you believe Olympians should have the right to use footage of their Olympic performances
- What are your views on financial recognition for Olympians’ participation in the Olympic Games
You can see the full replies of Mr Morinari Watanabe, HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein and Lord Sebastian Coe here.
