Kirsty Coventry shattered a historic barrier on Thursday, becoming the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its 130-year history.
The Zimbabwean swimming legend, already a prominent figure in Olympic circles, secured the top position in world sport by replacing Thomas Bach, marking the beginning of a new era for the Games.
“This is a really powerful signal,” Coventry said, smiling as the victory sank in. “It shows that we are truly global, embracing diversity, and continuing to evolve as an inclusive organisation.”
Coventry won the election outright in the first round, securing 49 out of 97 votes to claim an immediate majority.
Election Results
- Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (Spain) – 28 votes
- Sebastian Coe (UK) – 8 votes
- Other candidates – The remaining votes were split among David Lappartient (France), Prince Feisal (Jordan), Johan Eliasch (Sweden), and Morinari Watanabe (Japan).
In her acceptance speech at a luxury seaside resort in Greece’s Peloponnese, Coventry expressed gratitude and determination.
“This is not just a huge honor, but a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you. I will lead this organization with pride,” she told IOC members. “I promise to make you proud and instill confidence in the choice you’ve made today.”
A Vision for the Future
Coventry emphasized her commitment to unity and collaboration, vowing to bring all candidates together to shape the IOC’s future.
“I will sit down with President Bach for a handover period. My focus is to unite all the candidates because there were so many great ideas shared over the past six months,” she said.
She added that her leadership will be shaped by listening to IOC members and prioritizing their collective vision for the first six months and beyond.
Coventry’s historic appointment signals a new chapter for the Olympic movement, with a renewed focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and progress.
