Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, making her the tenth president overall. She is the first African to hold this position and the second-youngest president in IOC history. Her term starts on June 24, 2025, following the successful transition from Thomas Bach, who served 12 years as president.
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the tenth president overall since the organization’s founding in 1894. Her election marks a significant milestone in Olympic history, with Coventry receiving a majority of 49 out of 97 votes during a single round of voting held in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Coventry, a seven-time Olympic swimming medalist, will assume her eight-year term starting June 24, 2025. This historic appointment makes her the first African president of the IOC, a role previously held by men from Europe and the U.S. At age 41, she becomes the second-youngest to hold this position, following the IOC founder, Pierre de Coubertin.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry stated, “This is an extraordinary moment. 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.” Following her election, Coventry will lead during an exciting period for the Olympics, with upcoming games set to take place in Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028), the French Alps (2030), and Brisbane (2032).
Coventry’s successor, Thomas Bach, served the maximum of 12 years and was honored as IOC Honorary President for Life during his final address. Bach expressed gratitude for his time as president, citing the fulfillment he found in contributing to the Olympic Movement.
In her Olympic career, Coventry debuted at the age of 17 and won notable medals, including two golds in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. After retiring in 2016, she was elected as an IOC member in 2013, representing athletes’ interests. She has now made history as the first Olympic swimmer to serve as president of the IOC.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the IOC’s first female president is a landmark achievement for women in sports governance and representation from Africa. Her extensive experience as an Olympic athlete and her leadership in the IOC positions her to guide the organization through significant upcoming Olympic events. The unanimous support she received from the IOC members highlights the trust placed in her abilities to continue improving the Olympic Movement.
Original Source: www.nbcsports.com
