‘BY THEIR DEEDS’

WITH the International Olympic Committee presidential election just 16 days away, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda says the ideal candidate will need to commit to the activities of the JOA and other global sports organisations.

The 144th IOC Session takes place from March 18 to 21 in Greece, with IOC members casting their ballots on March 20 for the next president who will replace Thomas Bach.

Seven candidates are up for what is said to be the most powerful position in world sport. These are Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Sebastian Coe, Morinari Watanabe, and Kirsty Coventry, who is seeking to become the first woman to serve as president.

JOA doesn’t have a vote as only individual members (109 in total) of the IOC, and not national Olympic committees, are eligible to participate in the election.

Although not revealing who he favours out of the seven candidates, Samuda told the Jamaica Observer that the chosen individual has a responsibility to help develop the sporting landscape in Jamaica and the rest of the world.

“A future president needs not only to commit to supporting the JOA, but all national Olympic committees across the spectrum as they pursue capacity-building initiatives, transformational governance, and institutional-strengthening programmes,” he said. “Commitment must not only be verbalised but, more importantly, actualised and, where relevant, monetised.”

Samuda says whoever is elected as president will need to display several positive characteristics to earn the trust of JOA.

“She or he who is true to herself or himself; who combines integrity and valour of leadership with genes of competence in policymaking and strategic governance; who has an eclectic vision without compromising the principle of being inclusive; and who puts people first and eschews completely reward, personal gain and profiling, will earn trust and be deserving of wearing the Olympic crown,” he said.

All seven candidates, who have experience in sports administration at the various levels, presented their manifestos to the IOC membership on January 30 and have since been campaigning to secure votes.

Samuda says members should vote for the candidate who will help to revolutionise the Olympic movement.

“Elections will inevitably give rise to manifestos of goodwill towards men and salvation,” he said. “The test should not be she or he who gives the best messianic manifesto or resume but who demonstrates character in thought, word, and deed and who will seamlessly and competently wear the mantle of leadership with experience, pride, without self-absorption and in inspiring the Olympic movement.

“For me, the right choice calls for a deeper probe of credentials, a deeper scan of skills, a deeper envisioning of vision, and a deeper understanding of thought and servant leadership. Let her or him who is more of an embodiment of the product of that evaluation rise above the others.”

The winner will serve as IOC president for eight years with the option of a further four, which means they would oversee at least two summer Olympics, including Los Angeles 2028, and two Winter Olympics.