COSTA NAVARINO, Greece (BG) — Zimbabwe’s sports minister, Kirsty Coventry, was elected Thursday as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as the first woman and first African to lead the organization.
Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion, won in the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session, defeating six other candidates, including Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, and Lord Sebastian Coe.
She will succeed Thomas Bach when his 12-year tenure ends on June 23, 2025.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa,” Coventry said after the election.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe could never have dreamt of this moment. I hope this vote inspires many people—glass ceilings have been shattered today,” she added.
As IOC president, Coventry pledged to uphold the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, and respect while driving innovation and inclusion in sports worldwide.
Bach congratulated Coventry, expressing confidence in her leadership. “I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period,” he said.
Coventry, 41, is Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian, with seven medals in swimming.
Since retiring from competition, she has served as Zimbabwe’s minister of youth, sport, arts and recreation and has been a vocal advocate for athlete development.
Her eight-year term as IOC president will begin in June 2025.
