Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry Shatters Glass Ceiling, Elected IOC President in Historic Vote

Kirsty Coventry

Source: Africa Publicity

Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman and first African to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

As the top medalist from Africa in the Olympic Games, Coventry’s impressive athletic background includes winning gold in the 200m backstroke, silver in the 100m backstroke, and bronze in the 200m medley at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, as well as gold in the 200m backstroke and three silver medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Coventry, a Zimbabwean swimmer and current Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, secured a decisive first-round win in the seven-candidate contest, receiving 49 votes from the 97 IOC members. Her eight-year term will begin in June 2025, and she will succeed outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach.

As the new IOC President, Coventry will face key challenges such as addressing rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving landscape of global sports governance. Her priorities include making the IOC more inclusive, strengthening ties with National Olympic Committees, and modernizing the selection process for future Olympic hosts.