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, 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.