Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has been elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, making history as the first woman and first African to hold the prestigious position in world sports.
“This is a signal that we are truly global,” said Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the current Zimbabwe sports minister.
In a surprising turn, Coventry secured a first-round victory in the seven-candidate race, winning with 49 votes from the 97 IOC members, far surpassing expectations that the election would require multiple rounds. At just 41, she will serve an eight-year mandate through 2033, marking a youthful and historic moment for the IOC.
Coventry’s triumph also signifies a win for outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, who has long supported her as his successor. Bach did not vote in the election.
“I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have taken,” Coventry said in her acceptance speech. “Now, we have some work to do together.”
