The Race to Olympia: The Olympic Conclave

Fomer IOC marketing director Michael Payne looks at what is on the line in this week's elections to choose a successor to Thomas Bach - a vote he believes is the most significant for 50 years

On Thursday, the International Olympic Committee will convene near the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games in Greece to elect a new President.

Thomas Bach is retiring after 12 tumultuous years, and his successor will assume the most important position in world sport.

For seasoned observers of the Olympic Movement, this is the most significant election in nearly half-a-century. The last two IOC Presidential elections, in 2001 and 2013, were relatively calm affairs compared to what is now at stake. Some IOC members predict that the Olympic Movement’s future could even be at stake.