HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Newly elected International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry returned to her home country of Zimbabwe on March 23, 2025, to a hero’s welcome, marking a historic moment for both her and the nation.
Celebrations erupted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as hundreds gathered to honor the 41-year-old Coventry, who made history by becoming the first woman and first African to take the reins of the global Olympic movement. Her victory was especially significant in Zimbabwe, a nation that has endured years of isolation and sanctions from the United States and other Western nations.
Coventry's election triumph came on March 20, 2025, during a vote held in Greece, where she bested six other candidates, including top figures in international sports such as the heads of world track and field and cycling, as well as a member of Jordan’s royal family. “It’s not just my success, it is our success. We broke down barriers,” Coventry remarked during her arrival in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the collective achievement this victory represents for her country.
The vibrant homecoming scene featured traditional African dancers adorned in animal fur kilts and feathered headgear, accompanied by the sounds of trumpets and drums. Among the enthusiastic crowd were female cricketers, young karatekas, and school children, all celebrating trust and pride in Coventry’s remarkable achievements. Abigail Madera, a boxing referee, expressed the community's sentiment, noting, “Men have dominated sport for so long, I am thrilled that one of our own is now at the very top where she can tackle the issues affecting women in sports.”
Also present at the welcome ceremony was Zimbabwe’s Minister of Women Affairs, Monica Mutsvangwa, who stated, “This is not just a personal victory; it will put Zimbabwe on the global stage.” Such support highlights the importance attached to Coventry’s position in a global arena, given the country’s tumultuous political landscape.
Coventry, who rose to fame as an Olympic swimmer and secured back-to-back gold medals in the 200 meters backstroke at the 2004 and 2006 Games, retired from her swimming career after competing in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016. With seven Olympic medals, she holds the title of the most decorated Olympian from Africa, representing Zimbabwe with immense pride. Despite her past achievements, her political role as Zimbabwe’s sports minister since 2018 has faced scrutiny due to the country's longstanding human rights concerns.
As she shifts focus to her new role, Coventry is expected to resign from her ministerial position to move to Lausanne, Switzerland, where the IOC headquarters are located. Her eight-year term leading the IOC officially begins in June 2025.
With the new role comes a host of pressing issues that Coventry will need to address, including athlete benefits, the future of Russian participation following its suspension over the war in Ukraine, and gender eligibility criteria in the sport. Just before her flight back to Zimbabwe, she asserted, “Protecting the female category and female sports is paramount.” This resonates with her commitment as the sports minister, where she took proactive measures to address sexual harassment issues reported by female referees.
Looking ahead, Coventry has promised to set up a task force aimed at safeguarding women’s sports amid ongoing global controversies. This is especially pertinent following incidents at the women’s boxing tournament in Paris, where questions around fair competition have arisen.
Another critical challenge awaiting her is the contentious issue regarding the participation of Russian athletes. Currently, only a few Russians are competing as neutral athletes at upcoming Olympic events, and the IOC faces a complicated situation amid geopolitical tensions. Coventry has expressed a willingness to find solutions, stating, “I am against banning countries from the Games,” signaling a nuanced approach to maintaining Olympic unity.
Additionally, Coventry will inherit lingering uncertainties surrounding relationships with influential figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, especially with the Los Angeles Summer Olympics scheduled for 2028. The chair of the organizing committee for those Games, Casey Wasserman, affirmed, “Irrespective of politics today, America will be open and accepting to all 209 countries for the Olympics,” emphasizing the need for inclusivity.
A key objective for Coventry will be securing a host for the 2036 Olympics, with multiple bidding countries. Coventry's close connections within the Olympic community could lend influence to favorites such as India, as she prepares to engage members in the decision-making process more collaboratively.
Moreover, the global climate crisis poses significant questions for the future of life in sports, potentially altering the scheduling for the Summer and Winter Games. Coventry has advocated for flexibility in response to climate challenges, suggesting that planning needs to adapt based on local conditions.
As Coventry steps into her leadership role within the IOC, she will undoubtedly keep her experience as an athlete and advocate for women’s rights at the forefront of her agenda, embarking on a journey filled with potential and challenges alike. Her focus on protecting the integrity of women's sports and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes reflect a keen awareness of the delicate balance required to uphold the Olympic ideals.
As the world watches Coventry's next steps, the anticipation surrounds not just her ability to lead but also how she will unify a diverse and complex global athletic community to navigate forward in unity and progress.
