How Africa can host first Olympics, by Coe

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe believes that Africa can host the Olympics Games if there is strategic planning and good use of resources that would not strain the host nation, reports Joy Sports of Ghana.

The Olympic Games are one of the most complex and expensive sporting events to host, and no African nation has ever had the privilege of hosting but Coe, who is running for the International Olympics Committee (IOC) presidency in next month’s elections, thinks it is possible.

“Delivering the Olympic Games is the toughest project anywhere in the world. But we must ensure that hosting the Games doesn’t come at the expense of the people or the governments,
Coe said during a meeting with African journalists.

“We need to find a way to make these events financially sustainable, using a model that doesn’t place undue strain on the host nation,” added Coe, who hopes a more collaborative, multi-coordinated approach that would involve shared resources and infrastructure across Olympic sports can work.

Coe is also determined to ensure that athletes in developing countries, like many in Africa, have access to resources that will make them succeed in their sports and has expressed his willingness to ensure there is prize money to medalists across all disciplines at the Olympics.

“We have the most God-given talented athletes on the planet. Our job is to make sure they have access to the data, support and training they need to reach their full potential,” he added.

“Financial welfare is not just about money. It’s about mental and physical well-being. It gives athletes a cushion to focus on their sport, reducing the stress of financial insecurity.”

In what would be a game-changer, the 2012 London Olympics Organising Committee chairman is proposing the use of technology, specifically AI, in talent identification in countries where access to coaching and scouting network is limited like many in Africa.

“AI can help identify talented athletes early, ensuring that no one is missed because of geographic or financial barriers. This is especially critical in Africa, where we have a wealth of untapped potential,” he added.

Coe is facing off with six other candidates; being Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch, the current IOC vice president, Zimbabwean swimmer, Kirsty Coventry, who would become the first woman to lead the body if she wins), and Frenchman David Lappartient, the World Cycling President.

Others are Jordanian Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Japanese businessman and international gymnastics head, Morinari Watanabe, and ski and snowboard federation boss Swedish-Briton Johan Eliasch.

The IOC president will be elected at the 144th IOC Session set to be held in Greece, from March 18-21.