Juan Antonio Samaranch (Barcelona, 1959)one of the seven candidates to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC) starting in March 2025, considers that keeping the Olympic Movement free from political interference will be the priority of the next president, a position for which he believes he has the experience and judgement.
Son of the eponymous leader who led the organization between 1980 and 2001, the candidate assured EFE that his surname will not count “at all” in this electoral race, where he will have a British rival as rivals . Sebastian Coein French David Lappartient, in Japan Morinori Watanabein Jordanian Feisal al-Husseinin Swedish-British Johan Eliasch and the Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry.
Q. Why do you want to lead the IOC?
A. The IOC comes to these elections at a very solid moment, after a great Games and after a great presidency that promoted the Olympic Movement in the 21st century. But the pace of change is enormous and it takes a lot of experience and judgment to manage something so complex. I have been at the IOC for 24 years, I am vice president, I headed the coordination committee of the Olympic Games (Beijing 2022), I know the digital part through the Olympic Channel and here I have added my experience as a businessman in the financial world, in a company on three continents.
Q. How will the Olympic Movement change during your presidency?
A. Of course we can be better, but for now the main thing, which is more complicated, is to work for the independence of the Olympic Movement in this very polarized world. That independence is threatened by the interests of various groups. We are not the UN, but in times of great instability, with more than 40 wars or conflicts in the world, we have managed to bring together young people from all territories under one roof. Our job is to show that another world is possible, a world where differences not only separate us, but are something we should celebrate.
Q. What lessons for the future does the conflict with Russia leave behind?
A. That the IOC can never take a position. If we allow Russia it is because of the betrayal of the Olympic Truce oath in the middle of the Winter Games. And we punished the Russian Olympic Committee for invading the responsibilities of another sovereign committee (the Ukrainian one). But still, we allowed neutral Russian athletes to participate in the Paris Games.
Q. Speaking of IOC freedom, do you understand that the disqualification of an Afghan refugee for displaying, when she had already been removed, a scarf with the legend ‘freedom for Afghan women’ caused outrage?
A. He should be disqualified. I have the utmost respect for Afghan women, but the playing field must be free of any demonstration, no matter how legitimate it is. The same statement may seem too bold to one half of the world and offend the other half. If we open the door, there will be problems.
Q. What will you do with the sports program? Can you keep the option that the city organizing the Games can choose some sports, even if they disappear in the next edition, as happened with karate or breaking?
A. There is no perfect solution, but organizing cities are making great efforts and this is one way to help them. I am a supporter.
Q. How would you solve the problem of boxing, which is currently out of the 2028 Los Angeles Games program?
A. It is too early to talk about it. Then now we have a seven month campaign. Boxing will have the solution it needs to have and so far we have ensured that its athletes will be able to participate in the Games. Not just boxing, there’s more to do. I hope between now and the end of the year to develop a good program after consulting with many people to see what needs to be addressed more quickly. But the legacy that the new president will receive is very solid. It is time to turn the challenges of the new world into opportunities.
Q. Will your last name help in these elections?
A. My last name is useless. Not for better or for worse.
Source: La Verdad
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