Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Elected during the 144th IOC session, she succeeds Thomas Bach, set to lead for eight years focusing on athlete development and support.
On Thursday, Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist from Zimbabwe, was elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 41-year-old was chosen after the initial voting round during the 144th IOC session, succeeding Thomas Bach on June 23. This historic election marks Coventry as the first woman and first African to lead the IOC, an organization established 131 years ago.
In her inaugural speech, Coventry expressed her gratitude and commitment to the IOC members, stating, “This is not just a huge honour, but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride.” She aims to instill confidence and pride in her leadership. Coventry’s Olympic accolades include two gold medals earned between 2000 and 2016.
Coventry secured the presidency by outpacing six other candidates, which included notable figures such as Frenchman David Lappartient and Sebastian Coe of World Athletics. She recognized the competitive nature of the election, remarking, “This race was an incredible race,” highlighting that it strengthened the movement within the IOC.
On the eve of the voting, outgoing president Thomas Bach offered his support, indicating his willingness to provide guidance if needed, stating, “If the new president would like to have some advice or support they can call me in the middle of the night.”
Coventry’s eight-year term will encompass significant events, including the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028, Brisbane in 2032, and the Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo in February 2026. Ahead of her election, Coventry discussed her aspirations to assist young athletes, emphasizing that dedicated programmes are necessary for nurturing their journey to becoming Olympians, stating, “That’s where I believe we should be focusing a little bit more with dedicated programmes to help support directly athletes on their journey to becoming an Olympian.”
The election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee represents a significant milestone in sports governance. Her leadership promises a focus on athlete development and support, reflecting her dedication to nurturing future Olympians. With an eight-year term ahead, Coventry’s vision signals a progressive shift within the IOC, aiming to enhance the Olympic movement and empower athletes globally.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
