Olympics-IOC session opens in ancient Olympia as presidential election looms

Olympics - 144th IOC Session - Opening Ceremony - International Olympic Academy, Ancient Olympia, Greece - March 18, 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach speaks during the opening ceremony REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee kicked of its session in Olympia, site of the ancient Games, on Tuesday that will culminate with the election of a new president on Thursday.

Outgoing President Thomas Bach, in his speech at the Olympic academy near the ancient stadium, made only a fleeting reference to Thursday's key vote where seven candidates will take a shot at world sport's most powerful and influential job.