Samaranch brings leadership and experience to the IOC presidential bid

Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs is, for many, the right person to unite Olympism across the five continents in a new era of challenges that demand innovation, respect, and the elevation of the Olympic Games. His leadership and vision, along with his experience with financial, diplomatic, and political skills make of Samaranch the ideal person to lead the International Olympic Committee. His merits have solidified him as a highly influential figure within the IOC and the global sports world. For Samaranch Salisachs, the world is changing very rapidly, and the IOC must accelerate its pace to adapt to these changes.

“We are facing a changing world, full of risks but also many opportunities. Therefore, this is an important moment, where I believe those of us who can, must step forward”.

His trajectory, commitment, and vision position Samaranch Salisachs as the ideal candidate to achieve the presidency of the IOC. He is the one with the most experience, and has a clear vision for the future of Olympism.

An engineer by profession, he also holds a master’s degree in business administration from New York University. In the world of sports, he joined the IOC in 2001. He served as its vice president from 2016 to 2020 and again from 2022 to the present. He is also a member of the Spanish Olympic Committee and vice president of the International Modern Pentathlon Union. His combination of leadership, financial expertise, commitment to Olympic values, and independence make him the ideal person to lead the IOC.

“I am at a point in my Olympic career where I have a lot of experience. I have held many positions of responsibility in the field of sports, as well as in the business world. I have worked hard”.

Samaranch Salisachs' vision is very clear as it was presented in his program to IOC members as part of his bid for the presidency back in January. “The future is only becoming more complex, and the next IOC president must find a balance between honoring tradition and adopting a forward-looking vision, while bringing proven experience in both sports and business,” read the document he presented to his colleagues. 

Today, the IOC faces crucial challenges: the digitalization of sports, the fight against doping, gender equity, climate change, and the financial sustainability of the Olympic Games. Samaranch is convinced that his experience and vision make him the ideal candidate to lead the institution into a new era of excellence.

“We need to maintain unity, move forward together, and continue raising significant economic resources, which are essential for amateur sports as we know them”.

That is why, on March 20 in Greece, Samaranch will seek to win the election for the presidency of the IOC. Experts point out that his leadership represents not only continuity but also renewal. A balance between tradition and modernity, between respect for Olympic values and the need for transformation. If the IOC seeks stability, innovation, and strong leadership, the best choice is Samaranch Salisachs.

“The position carries immense responsibility and complexity. It requires extensive experience in the world of sports, significant financial expertise, and strong managerial experience. I believe I have all of that.”