Kirsty Coventry Elected First Female President of the IOC

Kirsty Coventry is elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first African to hold the position. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, received 49 out of 97 votes and succeeds Thomas Bach. Her presidency will oversee upcoming Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032.

Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has made history by being elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece. This marks her as the 10th president since the organization’s inception in 1894. Coventry, a distinguished swimmer with seven Olympic medals, will embark on an eight-year term that may be renewed for an additional four years.

Once her term begins on June 24, Coventry will not only be the first woman to lead the IOC but also the first individual from Africa to assume this prestigious position. Prior to her election, the presidency was held exclusively by men from Europe or the United States. Emphasizing the significance of this moment, Coventry articulated her childhood aspirations and commitment to the Olympic movement.

Coventry, now 41 years old, ranks as the second youngest president in IOC history, following Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics. In the vote that took place just south of Olympia, Coventry received a decisive 49 votes out of 97, while her closest contender, Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain, garnered 28 votes.

The election took place on March 20, 2025, and Coventry is succeeding Thomas Bach, who has completed the maximum of 12 years in office and has now been honored as IOC Honorary President for Life. In a heartfelt farewell, Bach expressed gratitude for his experience and the opportunity to impact the lives of others through the Olympic movement.

In her term, Coventry will oversee the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028), the French Alps (2030), and Brisbane, Australia (2032). Beginning her Olympic journey in 2000, she achieved significant success in swimming, including Olympic gold medals in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Games. As a former athlete and IOC member since 2013, Coventry now steps into the role of president as the first Olympic swimmer to do so.

Kirsty Coventry’s election as the first female president of the IOC marks a historic milestone for the organization and the Olympic movement. As she assumes her role, she is not only a representative of women in sport but also a pioneering figure for Africa. With her extensive experience and commitment, Coventry is expected to lead the IOC through significant Olympic events ahead, inspiring future generations in sports.

Original Source: www.nbcsports.com