“Deciphering Power Struggles and Gender Dynamics”
The iconic Olympic rings stand proudly outside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland – Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images. This influential position in the world of sports carries immense importance, with high stakes, expectations, and repercussions. The occupant wields significant influence in shaping the global sports scene, possesses extraordinary political power, and manages a multi-billion-dollar budget.
On Thursday, one of seven candidates will step into this crucial role when elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by the organization’s 100-plus members. Following in the footsteps of outgoing President Thomas Bach, who oversaw a remarkable period in the Olympic movement during his 12-year tenure, the new President will officially assume office in June.
Taking the reins during a time of global uncertainty, the incoming President faces challenges regarding the direction of the Olympic movement in the 21st century, increased scrutiny on issues of gender identity and equality, among others. With less than a year until the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, a key agenda item will be the reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes into the Olympic fold.
After the IOC imposed a ban on athletes from both countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a decision was made to allow these athletes to compete as neutrals in international tournaments, provided they met strict criteria. With qualification events ongoing for the upcoming Games and geopolitical tensions persisting, time is of the essence in resolving these matters.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, navigating the relationship with the unpredictable Trump administration poses another challenge. President Trump’s distinctive leadership style may present obstacles, as he aims to leave his mark on the event. Amidst these complexities, the new IOC President will need to navigate power struggles and gender dynamics to ensure the integrity and success of the Olympic movement.
During the opening ceremony of the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Donald Trump is highlighted as a prominent figure by CNN Sports analyst Christine Brennan. Known for his passion for sports, Trump is expected to play a significant role within the Olympic movement, although his involvement may also bring disruptions. Concerns have been raised about potential visa restrictions for athletes based on nationality and adherence to the administration’s gender policies.
Amidst recent strained relations between the United States and some traditional allies, the upcoming IOC president will face the challenge of balancing neutrality and inclusivity to ensure the presence of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team at the Athlete’s Village. The issue of athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) and transgender athletes remains unresolved, with varying regulations across International Federations causing confusion and controversy.
Efforts to establish consistent rules based on scientific evidence and universal eligibility criteria are expected to address the existing confusion and streamline policies. The incoming 10th president of the organization will have the opportunity to implement standardized rules across all sports, promoting fairness and clarity in athlete participation.
Looking ahead, the upcoming president’s mandate will extend until 2033, covering multiple Olympic Games including the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The selection process for the host of the 2036 Summer Games will be the first to consider human rights commitments in the Olympic Charter, with a shift towards choosing multiple cities, regions, or countries to host the event.
Several organizations, including sia, have shown interest in hosting the Games. A decision is not expected until after 2025, with a consideration for climate concerns in the decision-making process. There may be a review of the global sports calendar to allow more parties to bid for the Games. Past hosts like Seoul 1988 and Sydney 2000 held the Games between September and October. The Olympic movement could expand to new regions and introduce new sports to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience. The inaugural Olympic Esports Games are set for Riyadh in 2027, indicating a move towards embracing technological advancements. Stay updated with CNN news and newsletters by creating an account at CNN.com.
