Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday, becoming the first woman and the first African to hold the position. The Zimbabwean sports minister and two-time Olympic gold medalist secured victory in the first round of voting, defeating six other candidates.
“I am truly honored to take on this role,” Coventry said. “The young girl who started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have envisioned this achievement.”
Coventry, 41, said her election shattered barriers. “Being the first female IOC president and the first from Africa fills me with pride. I hope this moment inspires many others.”
She outpaced high-profile contenders, including Britain’s Sebastian Coe, Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., and Jordan’s Prince Feisal.
Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry and expressed confidence in her leadership. Bach, who has led the organization since 2013, will step down on June 23, 2025, at the end of his 12-year term.
IOC presidents are elected by committee members via secret ballot for an eight-year term. Coventry’s election was among the most competitive in recent IOC history, with no clear favorite before the vote.