Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry elected IOC’s first African, female, and youngest president
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday, becoming the first woman and first African to hold the role.
Coventry, 41, will also be the youngest to assume the position and won the election in the seaside resort of Costa Navarino, Greece, to land the most powerful job in world sport.
The seven-time Olympic swimming medallist, won in the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session, defeating fellow candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.
President-elect Coventry said, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.
“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started!”
After the election, IOC president Thomas Bach, whose 12-year term ends on June 23, 2025, congratulated Coventry on her victory.
“I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period,” Bach said. “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. The future of our Olympic Movement is bright.”
Coventry will serve an eight-year term, as outlined in IOC rules.