Behind closed doors on Thursday, seven candidates hoping to lead the International Olympic Committee are making key pitches to an exclusive club of more than 100 voters. The only set-piece campaign event before the March 20 election in Greece lets each candidate make a 15-minute presentation that will not be broadcast and is open only to IOC members.

With both the 2028 Olympics and the 2034 Winter Games taking part in the United States, the 51-year-old was keen to emphasize he would be firm with U.S. president Donald Trump over the IOC's status. "Our autonomy is non-negotiable will be my message," he said.