Alexander Zhukov, the former head of the Russian Olympic Committee, weighed in on the current IOC presidency contest, signaling Moscow’s stance toward the next IOC chief. He stated that Morinari Watanabe, Juhan Elias, and Sebastian Coe are not the best options for Russia to back in the IOC’s top post. Zhukov added that the winner will have to work with Russia, no matter who is chosen, and urged that the new president should be prepared to engage with Moscow in a constructive and pragmatic way. He emphasized that Moscow’s preference is for a leadership that can translate Olympic diplomacy into clear, cooperative actions with Russian sports authorities and athletes. The remarks reflect an ongoing strategic debate inside Russian sport about how the country will navigate its relationship with the IOC during a time of leadership transition, sanctions, and evolving governance standards. [Source: ROC press statements]
Officially, the field includes Sebastian Coe, widely known as the World Athletics president, and IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., a veteran of European and Olympic governance. Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwean sports minister and an influential voice in Olympic diplomacy, is part of the mix. Faisal ibn Hussein, who leads the Jordanian National Olympic Committee, brings a perspective from a region balancing tradition and reform. Morinari Watanabe, the head of the International Gymnastics Federation, is a recent and influential voice in gymnastics and Olympic strategy. David Lapartian, the president of the International Cycling Union, represents cycling’s global governance. Juhan Elias, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, adds a winter sports dimension to the contest. Together, these leaders bring a blend of organizational pedigree, regional influence, and track record in promoting athletes and events. The lineup matters for Canada and the United States, where major Olympic seasons and hosting plans rely on governance stability and predictable collaboration with the IOC. Analysts in North America watch the candidates’ platforms for positions on athlete eligibility, anti-doping integrity, broadcasting rights, and the pace of reform in the IOC framework. [Source: Official announcements]
Earlier in State Duma discussions, questions about potential changes surrounded the IOC leadership transition. The sentiment there suggested that any real reforms would be embedded in the agenda set by the new IOC president, rather than appearing from outside the organization. Observers say the remarks signal a recognition that governance, accountability, and the pace of modernization could shift depending on who takes the helm. For audiences in Canada and the United States, these dynamics have practical effects: the scheduling of events, the rules for host country participation, and the allocation of funding across continents can be influenced by leadership priorities and the willingness to pursue broad, transparent reforms. The debate also underscores how Moscow intends to balance support for its athletes with engagement in the broader Olympic ecosystem, even as tensions around sanctions and eligibility remain in play. [Source: State Duma commentary]
Taken together, the IOC leadership contest is more than a name game. It is a lens on how global sport governance adapts to shifting power centers and diverse stakeholder expectations. The incoming president will steer Russia’s Olympic strategy, shape dialogue with North American partners, and influence the governance reforms pursued by the IOC in the coming years. For fans and officials in Canada and the United States, the outcome matters because it can affect athlete preparation, international competition calendars, and the way states collaborate on anti-doping, broadcasting, and event hosting. As the race progresses, observers will closely monitor public statements, voting signals, and formal endorsements to gain insight into the likely direction of Olympic governance and the chance of renewed cooperation with Russia on shared sporting goals. [Source: Official records]