Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has declined calls to contest for IOC presidency and has offered her full support to all seven candidates.
Despite being approached by several parties, Khunying Patama said she has opted out of the race for the position of the IOC president to succeed current chief Thomas Bach, citing her numerous current responsibilities.
The election will be held at the IOC Session in Athens, Greece, which runs from March 18-21 next year.
Khunying Patama however expressed her support for the seven candidates running for the role, all of whom she knows personally and believes are capable of leading the organisation forward.
“I am pleased to support all seven candidates, as I know them personally and hold them in high regard. Each one is knowledgeable and capable of advancing the IOC’s mission,” Khunying Patama said.
Khunying Patama also emphasised her desire to continue supporting the IOC in other capacities.
The seven candidates for the IOC presidency are:
- Prince Faisal Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, age 63, a former wrestler and rally driver.
- Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, age 67, from the UK, who was also the chair of the organizing committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.
- Kirsty Coventry, a 41-year-old former swimmer from Zimbabwe who competed in five Olympic Games and currently serves as the country’s Minister of Sports.
- Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, age 62, from Sweden.
- David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), age 51, from France, and also the President of the French National Olympic Committee.
- Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., IOC Vice President, age 64, from Spain, and son of the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, who served as IOC President for 21 years.
- Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, age 65, from Japan.
