Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female and African IOC President

The Olympic champion and former Zimbabwean Sports Minister prepares to lead the IOC, focusing on athlete inclusion, sustainability, and navigating global political challenges.

• Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was elected as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee, securing 49 votes in the first round of voting.
• She will officially assume her role on June 24, 2025, following a three-month transition period under the mentorship of outgoing President Thomas Bach.
• Coventry has pledged to prioritize athlete-centric reforms, promote sustainability, and address contentious issues such as transgender athlete inclusion and Russian participation in future Olympics.
• Her presidency is seen as a continuation of Thomas Bach's policies, but she faces criticism for her perceived lack of independence and alignment with existing IOC structures.
• The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, to be held under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, and ongoing geopolitical tensions present significant challenges for her leadership.

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