The battle to become the next John Coates will be fought out between long-mooted frontrunner Ian Chesterman and Olympic swimmer Mark Stockwell. And anyone else who puts their hand up between now and March 1, when nominations for the vacant Australian Olympic Committee presidency officially open.

“I confirm that I will be nominating for the position of president at our AGM next year,” said Chesterman on Thursday morning, citing the encouragement he’d received since leading Australia’s Tokyo delegation as chef de mission and AOC vice-president.