Kirsty Coventry has been elected the first female and African President of the IOC, serving until 2033. A decorated Olympian and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Arts, and Recreation, she is set to begin her term in June 2025. Coventry’s notable athletic achievements include seven Olympic medals and a strong collegiate career.
Kirsty Coventry, the former Zimbabwean swimmer, has been elected as the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making her the first woman and first African to hold this historic position. This decision was reported by the Associated Press, and her term will run for eight years until 2033, starting in June 2025. Coventry, 41, is also known for her tenure as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Arts, and Recreation.
Coventry is Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian, having won seven Olympic medals, the highest for any African athlete. She claimed back-to-back gold medals in the 200 meters backstroke at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. She made her Olympic debut as a student at the 2000 Sydney Games and excelled in subsequent competitions, securing three medals in 2004 and four in 2008.
After joining the IOC as a member in 2013, Coventry served on the IOC executive board between 2018 and 2021. Her relationship with outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, which some athlete groups found frustrating, highlights her significant influence within the organization. Despite accusations against her government of undermining dissent and democracy, Coventry continues to maintain a high profile in both sports and politics.
Born and raised in Harare, Coventry attended an all-girls convent school and later Auburn University in Alabama, where she gained recognition as a swimmer. Following the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe, she entered politics in 2017 and was appointed minister at the age of 34, despite her limited political experience. In recognition of her swimming achievements, Mugabe honored her with a diplomatic passport and a cash reward of $100,000.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the next IOC President marks a significant milestone in Olympic history as she becomes the first woman and African to assume this role. With an impressive athletic career and experience in governance, Coventry is poised to influence the future of the Olympic movement. Despite challenges within her government, her commitment to sports continues to resonate strongly.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
