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5d ago

Kirsty Coventry Takes Helm as First Woman and African IOC President

Taking office in Lausanne, Coventry plans to reshape IOC policies on gender eligibility, steer the 2036 host selection process, define rules for Russia’s return to competition.

Olympics - Kirsty Coventry takes over as the new International Olympic Committee President - IOC headquarters, Lausanne, Switzerland - June 23, 2025 New IOC president Kirsty Coventry during the ceremony REUTERS/Pierre Albouy
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Incoming IOC president Kirsty Coventry has shown she will be no pushover for world leaders

Overview

  • Coventry begins her presidency on Monday, succeeding Thomas Bach after winning the March election.
  • The two-time Olympic gold medallist draws on her experiences of failure and childhood bullying to inform a leadership style built on resilience.
  • As Zimbabwe’s former sports minister she backed the Sports and Recreation Commission’s suspension of the national football association following misconduct allegations.
  • She faces early diplomatic tests negotiating with US President Donald Trump over Los Angeles 2028 and managing broader geopolitical tensions.
  • Her agenda prioritizes revising transgender and women’s category rules, overseeing bids for the 2036 Games and setting criteria for Russian athletes’ participation.