🟥Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry is new Olympic Committee boss

Coventry will be the first woman and first African to lead the Olympic movement, taking office on 23 June for an 8-year term

🟦 Results of the election for the 10th IOC President:

✳ Kirsty Coventry 49
✳ Juan Antonio Samaranch 28
✳ Lord Sebastian Coe 8
✳ Morinari Watanabe 4
✳ David Lappartient 4
✳ Johan Eliasch 2
✳ HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein 2

COSTA NAVARINO | Xinhua & Agencies | Kirsty Coventry was elected as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, making history as the first woman and the first African to lead the global Olympic movement.

The election was conducted through a secret ballot by over 100 IOC members during the 144th IOC Session in Greece. The 41-year-old, who won the vote in the first round, will officially take office after June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has served as president since 2013.

Coventry’s presidency is set for an eight-year term, with the possibility of seeking a four-year extension.

A former Olympic swimming champion, Coventry is one of Africa’s most decorated athletes, having won seven Olympic medals, including two golds. She has been an IOC member since 2013 and also served as chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, where she played a crucial role in advocating for athletes’ rights and welfare.

Kirsty Coventry was elected as IOC President, over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe. pic.twitter.com/9S0F0z0PWm

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 20, 2025

🔴 NAZOOOOOOOOOOO!!! 🔴
Zimbabwe’s sports minister Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 41-year-old former swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, replaces German Thomas Bach – who had held the role since 2013 – and… pic.twitter.com/VY1Bqknh4T

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) March 20, 2025

As the youngest of the seven candidates, Coventry’s campaign for the presidency focused on modernizing the Olympic movement, enhancing youth engagement, and strengthening the role of athletes within the IOC’s decision-making processes.

She has also emphasized the importance of digital transformation to make the Games more accessible and relevant to younger audiences, as well as sustainability efforts to ensure that the Olympic Games remain environmentally and financially viable.

Coventry has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018, where she has focused on developing grassroots sports initiatives and enhancing opportunities for young people across the country to engage in sports.

President-elect Coventry said: “I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.

“I am 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.

“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started!” ■