Lord Sebastian Coe: This is my vision for IOC, Africa’s athletics

World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has vowed to help Africa’s athletics grow as well amplify the continent’s voice if elected as the International Olympic Committee [IOC] president.

The elections are set for March 2025, to pick the successor to the IOC President Thomas Bach, who is stepping down having served a full term.

Seven candidates are running for the IOC presidency including Coe. Others are; Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., and Morinari Watanabe. Zimbabwean Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, 41, is also one of the hopefuls.

Speaking exclusively on Sporty Monday, Citizen TV, Coe stressed the need for equal opportunities in Africa; both in field and leadership.

"Many conversations I've had with your political leadership in Kenya are really good sports policy; probably the best economic, health, social education policy you will ever have,” he explained. “One of my ambitions, not just for Africa, but throughout the world, is that we raise sport higher on the government agenda, and our programs, like kids athletics, that engage thousands of young athletes, young people, throughout the course of the year, is a very good example of how we can impact, not just on finding the next Faith Kipyegon, but also in encouraging more young people to choose sport as a way of life and to choose health and fitness as a habit for life.”

He went on: “And I also know through my years at World Athletics that when we talk about development, there is no such thing as a one-size fits all."

On having African voices amplified at the Olympics body, Lord Sebastian Coe said, "I think amplifying the voices of Africa is hugely important, and yes I would agree there are elements where Africa is underrepresented, those that do represent Africa do an extremely good job.

“I know many of them, personally know the job they do is tireless and it is very accomplished. And you have had some very distinguished members of the International Olympic Committee that have represented Africa in a very, very important and positive way.”

“But I know there will be more of those voices once elected, but I do also say that it’s important that the membership of the International Olympic Committee [the members have a far greater say in how the future of the movement, the future of the Olympic Games looks]."

Sebastian Coe also took time to share his insights on how Kenyan athletics has impacted on his career.

"Some of the toughest races that I have had have been against the likes of the greatest legendary Mike Boit and Paul Ereng and Nixon Kiprotich. All these athletes have been significant athletes in my career and have really created in large part the legacy that is so strong in Kenyan athletics.”

Seven candidates will compete in the election for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 144th IOC Session to be held from March 18 – 21 in Greece.

Coe, having served at the helm of the world athletics body, is regarded as one of the favourites for the top job.