In a significant development for the upcoming International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential election, a leading candidate has emphasized the importance of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The vice president of the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranch, highlighted that strengthening ties with the United States should be a top priority for the next IOC leader. Samaranch, considered a strong contender in the race, expressed these views in a recent interview.
The Los Angeles Olympics scheduled for 2028 stands as a key event for any future IOC president, as seven candidates vie for the leadership term of eight years. This decision will be made by roughly 100 IOC members during a meeting near Ancient Olympia, Greece. Reflecting on Trump’s previous statements on America’s upcoming significant events, Samaranch underscored the relevance of these events: the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Los Angeles Summer Games.
Samaranch elaborated on the importance of these events, pointing out that the World Cup and Olympics are the two major global sporting occasions. Traditionally, the host country’s president plays a prestigious role at these events, handing over ceremonial trophies and marking their significance. While the World Cup finale will occur at MetLife Stadium near New York, the tournament will see shared hosting duties with Canada and Mexico.
Both the Olympics and World Cup reach millions, promoting a spirit of unity and inclusiveness among athletes and fans globally. Samaranch, reflecting on his diverse experiences—including time spent in New York—emphasized the opportunity these events provide for the U.S. to showcase itself to the world.
Samaranch champions an inclusive Olympics, advocating for the participation of athletes from all 206 national Olympic bodies. He even suggests extending invitations to nations with challenging diplomatic ties with Trump, including Palestine and a recognized team of refugees. He firmly believes in the unifying potential of the Olympics and the pivotal role IOC plays in fostering this cohesion.
The potential for diplomatic dexterity from the next IOC president cannot be understated, considering Samaranch’s wide-ranging political experiences. His personal history spans politically varied environments, which he believes equips him with the neutrality the IOC requires to avoid partiality.
The IOC maintains strong associations with the United Nations, aligning on numerous occasions during Thomas Bach’s 12-year presidency. For instance, a declaration was made regarding Russia’s breach of the Olympic Truce following its incursion into Ukraine in 2022. Samaranch supports the UN as a critical common ground for dialogue among nations despite its imperfections.
Playing a pivotal role in overseeing the Beijing Winter Games in 2022, Samaranch acknowledged the international health community’s role in ensuring successful Games amid the pandemic. With the U.S. pulling back from its commitments to the World Health Organization, he advocates for the necessity of such a global health entity.
Among his key campaign pledges, Samaranch intends to grant athletes the ability to share their Olympic performances on social media, arguing this would bolster viewership and engage fans. While this has not been actioned due to fears of upsetting media partners, Samaranch sees it as beneficial to all parties involved.
On the matter of transgender rights, Samaranch brings a nuanced stance. While aligning with the consensus to protect women’s sports, he recognizes the delicate balance required in ensuring fair competition. Samaranch sees value in crafting fair policies that consider all aspects of athletic eligibility while respecting individual rights.
Finally, Samaranch proposes an ambitious donor initiative that could substantially increase IOC resources. He notes potential contributions reaching tens of millions, emphasizing the importance of bolstering financial reserves, which, he remarks, have diminished in value over the years.
