Juan Antonio Samaranch speaking to journalists at the mixed zone at the House of Events in the Romanos Resort in Costa Navarino

COSTA NAVARINO, March 19, 2025 - As journalists, photographers and videographers jostled each other in the hallway of the House of Events building, in the Romanos Resort in Costa Navarino, where the 144th IOC Session is currently taking place, one remarked: “This is a war zone, not a mixed zone.”

This was after a morning session full of reports, including a strong emphasis on the IOC’s strong financial stability and growth. However, the IOC presidential candidates were the most sought after as IOC members walked through the packed mixed zone. The election will take place tomorrow at 4 pm local time and some of the candidates took this opportunity to make their final pitch and express how they feel.
 

“I’m very confident,” said IOC Executive Board member Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan. “For me, this has been a wonderful experience and tomorrow the members will decide who they want, and what type of leadership they want for the IOC. I think I’ve got excellent credentials.

With a smile, FIG President Morinari Watanabe said, “I’m enjoying,” when he was asked how he felt ahead of tomorrow’s election. 

Kirsty Coventry, an IOC Executive Board member and the only female in the race, said she is excited for tomorrow: “I have taken the time to talk to each of the members and I’m so appreciative. That has been one of the best things about these past few months because I’ve gotten to listen to them and hear exactly what is important to them and what they would like to see change. That’s what this is about,” she added.

IOC Vice-President Juan Antonio Samaranch said: “I'm confident about what we've done and what we have been able to communicate, but it is difficult to be confident about the result. It's a very complicated system. More than complicated, it's a very good system. All the IOC members have one thing that is extraordinarily precious, which is a vote that gives each one of us the full independence to decide whatever we think is better. I don't know if I will win or lose but I can promise you that I will be working until the very last second. Regardless of the result, this journey has been an incredible experience for me. A personal effort that I will always cherish."
 

FIS President Johan Eliasch explained how big the position of the IOC president is: “It is bigger than anything else that I have ever known." He added: "The membership takes this election very seriously, and the serious implications that this choice will have for the future of the movement. So in my case, my mission is accomplished if I've been able to positively contribute to the movement through this campaign process."

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was the only one who did not stop to speak to the press. “I’m in good shape, but it’s only lunch time,” he said as he swiftly walked past the journalists that called out his name.

With just a few hours until the election of the 10th IOC President, the atmosphere in Costa Navarino is tense as lobbying continues amid the countless reports being delivered on the stage of the 144th IOC Session.