Diack Hails Coe’s ‘Superb Credentials’ for Future IAAF Presidency

February 18, 2011

The President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), cialis Lamine Diack, has claimed London 2012 chairman and IAAF vice-president Sebastian Coe could easily succeed him to the most powerful position in world athletics. However, the 77-year-old also added that a number of other candidates, including Ukrainian pole vault legend Sergey Bubka, could also take on the role.

Coe is one of four vice-presidents alongside Dahlan Al-Hamad of Qatar, Robert Hersh of America and Bubka, who is currently the senior vice president.

Diack took over as President of the IAAF in November 1999 following the sudden death of Primo Nebiolo and is set to stand for re-election later this year in Daegu, South Korea to extend upon his 12-year reign.

Despite this, Diack revealed that he thinks that Coe would be one of a number of fantastic IAAF leaders when he finally vacates the role, telling insidethegames: “Of course Seb Coe has the potential to be a great IAAF President.

“There is no question about this. He was a great athlete and he is London 2012 chairman. He is also a fantastic vice president and the role of a vice-president helps you to become the President.

“His credentials are superb. But it is not only Coe who has this potential.

“We also have Bubka as vice-president and there is no doubt he has the potential to become the next President.

“Al-Hamad and Hersh are important vice presidents too and we have other great people in our organisation like [Moroccan Council Member] Nawal El Moutawakel who has undoubted leadership abilities.

“Therefore I am not worried because I know that after me, we have many fantastic people that could become IAAF President and lead the organisation forward.”