Kirsty Coventry makes history as first woman and African to be elected as IOC president
The 41-year-old Zimbabwean was unanimously selected to the top post in one round of voting that took less than ten minutes.
Zimbabwean candidate for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry reacts after being elected during the 144th IOC Session on the day of the election of the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in Costa Navarino, Greece on 20 March 2025. Picture: Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Kirsty Coventry has made history as the first woman and African to be elected president of the International Olympic Committee.
The 41-year-old Zimbabwean was unanimously selected to the top post in one round of voting that took less than ten minutes.
Coventry succeeds former German fencing champion Thomas Bach who served for twelve years at the helm of the sport's governing body.
With the ICO congress taking place in Costa Navarino, Greece which is the birthplace of the Olympic Games it was perhaps fitting that it would be the place where Kirsty Coventry would achieve her greatest feat.
The 41-year-old Coventry outshined six other candidates including world athletics chief Sebastian CEO to become the 10th president of the IOC and also the youngest ever.
Coventry will officially take up the role on June 24 and will have to navigate issues ranging from geopolitical uncertainty, gender identity and equality among others.
In her election manifesto, Coventry said she wants to challenge the status quo and prove that Africa is ready to lead.
Coventry ascends to the sports governance top seat after a decorated swimming career – and having retired as the most successful African Olympian with seven medals including two golds.