A two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe Kirsty Coventry, has made history as the first woman and African to be elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 41-year-old, who was also the youngest ever to hold the position, declared her election an “extraordinary moment” for both herself and the global sporting community.
The historic announcement came on Thursday, March 20, 2025, during the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece. Coventry, who had been regarded as the favorite candidate to succeed Thomas Bach after his 12-year tenure, took the reins with overwhelming support. She secured 49 out of 97 votes in the first round, leaving her closest competitors, IOC veteran Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior and World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, far behind. Samaranch Junior earned 28 votes, while Coe, who had long been considered a front-runner, received just eight.
Expressing her gratitude and excitement after the win, Coventry said, “This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never imagined I would be standing here today. This honor is not only a personal achievement but a reminder to everyone that I will lead with pride and the values at the core of our movement.”
Coventry’s victory marks a significant milestone for the IOC, as her election not only breaks gender and regional barriers but also signals a new era of leadership. Despite the intense competition, Coventry’s campaign, though relatively low-key compared to her rivals, proved highly effective, even winning the support of a seriously ill IOC member who made a special trip to vote.
While some critics had questioned her association with Zimbabwe’s government, which has faced accusations of an undemocratic and unfair election process, the impact on her candidacy appeared minimal. As president, Coventry will now face a host of challenges, including managing geopolitical tensions, such as the potential reintegration of Russia into the Olympic fold following its invasion of Ukraine, and the unpredictable presence of US President Donald Trump as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Games.
Despite these challenges, Coventry expressed her commitment to unity within the IOC. “We’ve got some work together,” she said, referring to her plan to collaborate with her former rivals. “This race was an incredible race, and it made us stronger. I know from all of the conversations I’ve had that we will deliver on the ideas we all shared.”
With her election, Coventry is set to lead the IOC into a new chapter, championing inclusivity, collaboration, and the values that have always defined the Olympic movement.
