Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry Elected President of International Olympic Body

Former Olympic swimmer and Zimbabwean sports minister Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the president of the International Olympic body, marking a historic milestone in global sports leadership.

Kirsty Coventry has set a historic precedent by being elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking her as both the first woman and the first African to assume this esteemed role at 41 years old.

The Zimbabwean sports minister, who is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, secured an impressive victory by outpacing six other candidates in the first round of voting involving nearly 100 IOC members.

Coventry expressed her excitement and gratitude by saying, “I am deeply honored to assume this role! I extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow members for their trust and support.”

She reflected, “The young girl who began swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have imagined reaching this milestone.”

With pride, she remarked, “Becoming the first female IOC President and the first from Africa fills me with great honor. I hope this moment inspires many others. Today, we have broken through glass ceilings, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”

Coventry’s victory was especially unexpected as she exceeded the performances of prominent individuals including Britain’s Sebastian Coe, Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., France’s David Lappartient, Jordan’s Prince Feisal, Swedish-born Johan Eliasch, and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe.

Following the election, IOC President Thomas Bach extended his congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on being elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee.

He conveyed his gratitude for the IOC Members’ decision and anticipated productive collaboration, especially throughout the transition period.

Bach expressed confidence that the future of the Olympic Movement is promising, emphasizing that its values will serve as a guiding force in the years ahead.

Coventry is set to succeed Thomas Bach, the ninth President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as his 12-year tenure concludes on Monday, June 23, 2025. IOC Members elect the President through a secret ballot for an eight-year term.

This election was considered one of the most unpredictable and competitive IOC presidential races in decades, with no clear frontrunner before the vote.