Costa Navarino, Greece: Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the first female President in its history. Coventry was elected in the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday.
Coventry secured victory over a field of prominent presidential candidates, including HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe. She will take over from outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially conclude after June 23. The IOC President is elected by secret ballot for a term of eight years.
Expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm, President-elect Coventry stated, “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.”
She further emphasized her vision for the Olympic Movement, highlighting the power of sport to unite, inspire, and create opportunities. “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!”
Following the election, outgoing President Thomas Bach extended his congratulations to Coventry, stating, “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. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
Coventry’s election marks a historic milestone for the IOC, ushering in a new era of leadership with a strong focus on inclusivity, innovation, and the continued growth of the Olympic Movement on a global scale.