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last mo.

Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female and African President of the IOC

The Zimbabwean Olympic champion was elected in a historic first-round victory, succeeding Thomas Bach after 12 years.

Kirsty Coventry succède à Thomas Bach à la tête du CIO.
Thomas Bach connaîtra ce jeudi le nom de son successeur
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Kirsty Coventry prend la suite de Thomas Bach à la tête du CIO.

Overview

  • Kirsty Coventry, a 41-year-old former Olympic swimmer and Zimbabwean sports minister, secured 49 out of 97 votes in the first round of the election held in Costa Navarino, Greece.
  • Her election marks the first time in the International Olympic Committee's 131-year history that a woman and an African has been chosen as president.
  • The election featured seven candidates, the highest number in IOC history, with Coventry defeating notable contenders like Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and Sebastian Coe.
  • Coventry emphasized diversity, inclusion, and innovation in her acceptance speech, reflecting the IOC's evolving priorities.
  • Her presidency begins as the IOC faces challenges such as sustainability, adapting to new sports, and engaging younger audiences.