Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, making her the first African to hold this position. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, will serve an eight-year term, following a successful vote conducted in Costa Navarino, Greece. She aims to lead the IOC through its upcoming events while promoting gender equality in sports leadership.
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has made history by being elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), an organization established in 1894. Confirmed during a vote on March 20, 2025, Coventry, a distinguished seven-time Olympic swimming medalist, will serve an eight-year term, which can be extended for an additional four years. She is also the first individual from Africa to take on this monumental position.
Coventry’s election signifies a remarkable achievement not just for her, but for women in sports globally, as she explained, “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.” Coventry has been elected at the age of 41, making her the second-youngest IOC President in history, following Pierre de Coubertin, who founded the modern Olympics.
The voting took place in Costa Navarino, Greece, where Coventry received a decisive 49 votes out of 97, surpassing other candidates like Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain, who received 28 votes. Had she not secured a majority, there would have been a second round of voting. Her election comes as a change of leadership from outgoing President Thomas Bach, who was honored as IOC Honorary President for Life after serving for 12 years.
Coventry’s term as president will coincide with several upcoming Olympic Games, including those in Milan Cortina, Italy (2026); Los Angeles, USA (2028); the French Alps (2030); and Brisbane, Australia (2032). Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Coventry made her Olympic debut at the age of 17 and accumulated seven Olympic medals throughout her career. Notably, she is the only Olympic swimmer to assume the role of IOC President, emphasizing the depth of her commitment and accomplishment in athletics.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude and a commitment to working collaboratively, stating, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and now we’ve got some work together.” This election marks a significant step towards gender equality and representation in Olympic leadership.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the first female president of the IOC represents a significant advancement for women in sports and leadership roles. Her achievement not only breaks gender barriers but also highlights the representation of African leadership in major international organizations. Coventry’s extensive experience as an athlete and her commitment to the Olympic values position her well for this pivotal role in shaping the future of the Olympic Movement.
Original Source: www.nbcsports.com
