Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, marking a historical milestone as both the first female and first African president. She received 49 out of 97 votes during the election at the IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, will begin her eight-year term on June 24, succeeding Thomas Bach, and oversaw upcoming Olympic events in Milan Cortina, Los Angeles, and more.
Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe has been elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the 10th president overall since the organization’s inception in 1894. The election took place at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where Coventry, a renowned seven-time Olympic swimming medalist, received a significant majority of 49 votes out of 97 in the single round of voting. Her presidency will commence on June 24, marking a historic moment in the IOC’s leadership as she also becomes the first president from Africa.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, referencing her childhood aspirations: “As a 9-year-old girl, I never thought that I’d be standing up here one day getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours.” At the age of 41, she will be the second-youngest individual to hold the presidential office, following Pierre de Coubertin, who began his term at age 33. Coventry’s election not only signifies a breakthrough for gender representation in sports administration but also for the African continent.
Coventry will succeed Thomas Bach, who has completed his maximum 12-year tenure and was recently honored with the title of IOC Honorary President for Life. Bach reflected on his time in office during the transition, stating, “I didn’t make a single sacrifice in these 12 years. I am grateful that after my career as an athlete, I could continue to live my passion for sport.”
As she embarks on her eight-year term, Coventry will oversee the upcoming Olympic hosts: Milan Cortina in 2026, Los Angeles in 2028, the French Alps in 2030, and Brisbane, Australia, in 2032. A prominent figure in athletics, Coventry has been an IOC member since 2013 and became known for her remarkable achievements in the pool, including her victories in the 200m backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, contributing to Zimbabwe’s Olympic legacy.
In closing her acceptance remarks, Coventry declared, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and now we’ve got some work together.” This underscores her commitment to advancing the Olympic movement and contributing to its evolving future as its first female president.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee marks a historic milestone in Olympic governance. Her leadership brings a new dimension to the IOC, combining her extensive athletic experience with a commitment to the future of the Olympic movement. With significant upcoming events under her presidency, Coventry’s tenure is poised to make a lasting impact on the organization and inspire future generations in sports administration.
Original Source: www.nbcsports.com
