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GENEVA — The election for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) occurs amid a significantly altered political landscape compared to the last contested election held in 2013.
“There is a very different flavor between the two elections,” noted Prince Feisal of Jordan, one of the seven candidates in this year’s race, who was also an IOC member during the previous ballot over a decade ago.
In an online interview from Amman, Prince Feisal elaborated, stating, “Back then, the election was more centered on individual charisma rather than the broader influences of global economics and politics, which are more prominent this time. While we aim to keep sports free from politics, it’s essential to acknowledge that we are enmeshed in the current global climate.”
Real-world issues were also part of the environment during the last election in Buenos Aires, where current candidates Juan Antonio Samaranch and Kirsty Coventry, along with Prince Feisal’s sister, Princess Haya, were among the voters. Notably, IOC president Thomas Bach received a congratulatory call from Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his victory in that election, which was marked by intense competition.
At that time, Russia was preparing to host the Sochi Winter Games, relying on a stronger rapport with the IOC. However, this relationship became strained following reports of a state-sponsored doping scandal and the breach of the Olympic Truce by Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The incoming IOC president will face critical challenges regarding the safety and security of the upcoming Summer Games set to take place in Los Angeles in July 2028. Within this context, the United States has shown signs of becoming a more unpredictable ally amid evolving international dynamics.
Diplomatic hurdles are a consistent theme in Jordan, a country under the leadership of Prince Feisal’s older brother, King Abdullah II, who recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Prince Feisal remarked on the longstanding complexities in Jordan, which is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Saudi Arabia.
The Palestinian Olympic Committee, which successfully sent eight athletes to the recent Paris Summer Games, is one of the 206 national teams recognized by the IOC, including the official team for refugees.
When questioned about the possibility of the Palestinian team participating in the Los Angeles Games, Prince Feisal expressed hope, identifying participation as essential for fostering long-term resolutions. “Can I guarantee it? No. Does it concern me? Yes. We need to stand for peace. Sports has the potential to heal and unite, as evidenced by past Olympic Games,” he stated.
The last gathering of the IOC election candidates prior to the voting was held near Ancient Olympia in Greece, while geopolitical discussions were unfolding, notably as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was engaged in meetings at the White House.
Prince Feisal reflected on the substantial discussions that took place in Frankfurt when the IOC candidates convened, emphasizing the far-ranging implications of these geopolitical interactions.
Sharing his optimism about the upcoming Olympic Games, he expressed confidence that President Trump would support a successful Los Angeles Olympics, despite acknowledging potential challenges: “There will be opinions to navigate, but ultimately, we must focus on what is right.”
He added, “It’s a matter of persuading him to embrace the values we uphold, which I believe is feasible.”
As the IOC prepares for a pivotal election, the question remains whether Prince Feisal will emerge as the leader guiding the organization through the ensuing three years leading to the Games in Los Angeles. He suggested that the election might go beyond the initial rounds of voting.
“If it’s not me, that’s acceptable,” he remarked. “What matters is that I am part of this essential conversation.”
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
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