- Kirsty Coventry makes history as the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- Coventry won on the first ballot , securing 49 out of 97 votes, ahead of Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and Sebastian Coe.
- A decorated Olympian , Coventry competed in five Olympic Games and won seven medals for Zimbabwe.
- Her priorities include athlete funding, transparency, and digital engagement to modernize the IOC.
- She replaces Thomas Bach on June 23, 2025, marking a new era for Olympic leadership.
Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female IOC President in Historic Vote
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected its first-ever female president, marking a historic moment in global sports governance. Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, was chosen as the IOC’s 10th president during a secret ballot held in Greece. Her election represents a breakthrough in gender and regional representation within the world’s most influential sporting body.
A Landmark Election
Coventry secured 49 votes out of 97, surpassing other high-profile candidates, including IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (28 votes) and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (8 votes). This decisive victory demonstrates strong support for her leadership vision.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be elected as president of the International Olympic Committee,” Coventry said after her win. “I hope this inspires future generations, as today we shattered glass ceilings.”
Coventry’s Journey from Athlete to Leader
Before stepping into sports administration, Coventry was a dominant force in swimming. She competed in five consecutive Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016, winning seven medals, including two golds in the 200-meter backstroke. Her deep connection to the Olympics gives her a unique perspective on the needs of athletes.
Following her retirement, she became Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and later served on the IOC’s executive board, positioning herself as a key figure in international sports governance.
Challenges and Goals as IOC President
Coventry takes over at a critical time for the IOC, with key issues such as:
- Transparency and Governance: She has pledged to enforce stricter anti-corruption measures and ethical conduct within the IOC.
- Athlete Support: A priority will be improving financial support for athletes before they reach Olympic-level competition.
- Digital Engagement: Expanding the IOC’s digital presence to connect better with younger audiences.
- Gender and Regional Representation: Promoting diversity within the IOC’s leadership and Olympic programming.
- Political and Climate Challenges: Navigating diplomatic challenges, particularly with the U.S. ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and addressing climate change risks to the Summer and Winter Games.
What’s Next for the IOC Under Coventry?
Coventry will officially take over from Thomas Bach on June 23, 2025, aligning her leadership transition with Olympic Day. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon and discussions around the 2036 host city ongoing, her presidency will shape the future of global sports for the next decade.