Kirsty Coventry Elected as President of the International Olympic Committee
Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist from Zimbabwe, has been elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking the first time a woman and an African has held this position. She intends to focus on athlete development and has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead. Coventry will serve an eight-year term overseeing future Olympic and Winter Games.
Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). At 41, she emerged victorious in the first round of voting among 97 IOC members during the 144th IOC session and will officially assume duties on June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach. Coventry is historically significant as the first woman and the first African to hold this prestigious position since the IOC’s inception 131 years ago.
In her inaugural speech, Coventry expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “This is not just a huge honour, but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride.” She emphasized her dedication to making the IOC community proud and announced her intent to work closely with the members.
Coventry’s impressive Olympic career includes winning two gold medals while swimming for Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2016. She prevailed against six other candidates for the presidency, notably competing with established figures such as Frenchman David Lappartient and Sebastian Coe, former Olympic gold medallist and current leader of World Athletics.
Reflecting on her election, Coventry stated, “This race was an incredible race,” highlighting the strength it brought to the movement. Thomas Bach, former IOC President, has offered his support to help Coventry transition into her new role, indicating his willingness to share insights from his 12 years of experience.
As president, Coventry will serve an eight-year term, overseeing significant events including the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028, the Brisbane Summer Games in 2032, and the Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the French Alps in 2030. Prior to her election, Coventry expressed her desire to support young athletes, asserting that her own Olympic journey should inspire targeted programs to aid future Olympians.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as IOC President marks a significant milestone, making her the first woman and African to hold the position. She has committed to leading the organization with pride and focusing on athlete development. With a notable Olympic past and a strong vision for the future, Coventry’s presidency promises to bring progressive changes to the Olympic movement. Her term will encompass major international sporting events, and she plans to leverage her experiences to foster support for emerging athletes.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
