Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its 130-year history. The Zimbabwean sports minister was elected during the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece, making her the youngest president at the age of 41.
Coventry's election, which took place on March 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone for gender and racial diversity within the IOC. "It's a really powerful signal," Coventry stated, highlighting the IOC's progress toward inclusivity. "It's a signal that we're truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity and we're going to continue that path." She secured 49 of the 97 available votes in a single round of voting, comfortably surpassing her closest rival, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who received 28 votes, while Sebastian Coe managed only eight.
The former swimmer, a seven-time Olympic medallist, will succeed outgoing president Thomas Bach, who has held the role since 2013. Coventry candidacy was bolstered by her diplomatic skills and experience within the IOC, having served as a member of the IOC Athletes Commission and as a vice president of the International Surfing Federation.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry expressed her commitment to leading the IOC with pride and respect for its values. "This is not just a huge honour, but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride," she told her fellow IOC members. Coventry stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, "I want to focus on bringing all the candidates together. There were so many good ideas and exchanges over the last six months. Look at the IOC and our Olympic movement and family and decide how exactly we’re going to move forward in the future."
Her vision includes addressing significant issues such as athlete rights and sustainability of the Olympic Games. Recognizing the need for the IOC to evolve and remain relevant to younger generations, she has pledged to expand Olympic participation worldwide.
Coventry's election is considered a breakthrough not only for women in sports leadership but also in the context of African representation in global sports. She noted, "I'm particularly proud to be the first female IOC president and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model." Throughout her illustrious swimming career, Coventry won two gold medals in the 200-metre backstroke at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics.
In the aftermath of her election, Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the IOC into a new era. "Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period," he stated.
Coventry's journey from a young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe to the world of Olympic leadership showcases the transformative power of sport. The upcoming handover to Coventry will take place on June 23, 2025, during the Olympic Day celebrations, marking a significant transition in leadership as she also prepares to oversee the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as her first major task.
As she gears up for her presidency, Coventry remains focused on creating a united and inclusive Olympic community. "Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all," she stated, as she looks forward to harnessing that power to its fullest as president.
With a dedicated plan and an inclusive vision, Coventry's presidency is expected to bring fresh insights into how the IOC navigates the complex challenges facing global sports today. As she puts it, "Now we've got some work together." Coventry's election thus represents not just a personal achievement but a pivotal moment for the IOC that highlights the ongoing evolution of the Olympic Movement.
