Sebastian Coe Advocates for Women's Sports Ahead of IOC Presidency

In recent discussions surrounding the future of women’s sports, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has emerged as a strong advocate for protecting female athletes. As he prepares to run for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Coe has expressed his commitment to ensuring that women’s participation in sports is safeguarded, especially in light of the controversies that have arisen during the Paris Games.

Coe, who has been a prominent figure in athletics for decades, emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies regarding gender eligibility. He stated that this would be a top priority if he is elected to succeed Thomas Bach in March. The ongoing debates about gender tests, particularly highlighted by the cases of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, have raised significant concerns. Both athletes won Olympic gold medals despite failing gender tests at last year’s world championships, leaving Coe feeling “uncomfortable” about the situation.

“I don’t think you can play fast and loose with a sport like boxing. You have to have clear policies as you do across all sports,” Coe remarked, underscoring the need for stringent guidelines in sports that carry inherent risks. He believes that the Olympic movement must take the lead in creating a supportive environment for women’s sports, stating, “If we do not protect women’s sport and we don’t have a clear and unambiguous set of policies to do that, then we run the risk of losing women’s sport.”

Coe’s passion for athletics is evident, and he sees his potential role in the IOC as a continuation of his lifelong commitment to sports. He believes he has been preparing for this leadership position since he first laced up his running shoes at the age of 11. “I have a vision. Also critically, I do actually have a plan for what the next generation of the Olympic movement looks like,” he explained, indicating that he feels well-equipped to lead.

However, Coe faces a challenging path ahead. Some observers argue that it may be time for a woman to take the helm of the IOC, with candidates like Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry in the running. Coe acknowledges the need for the Olympic movement to better utilize the skills and experiences of its members, stating, “I’m not sure we are, and I don’t think we have the right structures that would allow us to do that optimally.”

In addition to addressing gender issues, Coe has also been vocal about the IOC’s approach to Russia’s participation in the Olympics. He previously banned Russian athletes from competing in athletics due to mass doping allegations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the IOC has allowed some Russian athletes to return under a neutral flag, Coe believes that a responsive Executive Board is essential for the organization’s future.

As global sports continue to evolve, the influence of wealth from regions like the Gulf is becoming increasingly significant. Coe has expressed openness to hosting events in various countries, including Saudi Arabia and India, as long as their interests align with those of the Olympic movement. “We need to take our sport into regions and new territories that are going to fundamentally encourage more young people into sport,” he stated, highlighting the importance of expanding the reach of athletics.

Sebastian Coe’s candidacy for the IOC presidency brings with it a promise to prioritize women’s sports and address pressing issues within the Olympic movement. His vision for the future of athletics is one that seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes. As the world of sports continues to navigate complex challenges, the leadership of individuals like Coe will be crucial in shaping a fair and equitable landscape for future generations.