Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Kirsty Coventry Takes Helm of IOC as First Woman and African President

She announced a two-day workshop to unite IOC members around a strategy for Russia’s return to competition, safeguarding female sports categories.

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
Image
Incoming IOC president Kirsty Coventry has shown she will be no pushover for world leaders

Overview

  • Coventry officially succeeded Thomas Bach on June 23 in Lausanne, becoming the International Olympic Committee’s first female and African president.
  • At the handover ceremony she awarded Bach the Olympic Order in Gold and likened the Olympic movement to a spider web to stress unity and collaboration.
  • She unveiled plans for a two-day workshop to gather IOC members’ input on key issues, including Russia’s re-engagement and protecting women’s sports categories.
  • Coventry inherits a broad agenda that spans navigating the war in Ukraine, preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and reviewing transgender athlete eligibility guidelines.
  • Drawing on her experience as a two-time Olympic champion and Zimbabwe’s former sports minister, she has pledged a more consultative, inclusive leadership style.