In a historic decision, Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 41-year-old Zimbabwean secured the position during the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday, 20 March. She emerged victorious in a secret ballot among seven candidates, winning an eight-year term.
President-elect Coventry succeeds Thomas Bach, who has held the role since 2013 and was re-elected in 2021. In the first round of voting, Coventry received 49 votes, the exact number needed to secure a majority from the 97 votes cast. Her election marks a groundbreaking moment, as she becomes the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC.
Reflecting on her achievement, Coventry shared her pride in her Zimbabwean heritage and her vision for the future. "I'm very proud to call myself a Zimbabwean and to have grown up there, for my mum to have been born there, my grandmother," she told Olympics.com. Addressing Africa, she added, "This is our time."
Coventry will officially assume office on Olympic Day, 23 June, following a handover from outgoing President Bach. Bach, who will remain in his role until then, will step down as an IOC Member after the transition and take on the honorary title of Honorary President.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry expressed her gratitude and commitment to the Olympic Movement. "This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never thought I'd be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible Movement of ours," she said. "This is not just a huge honor but a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you. I will lead this organization with pride, with the Olympic Values at the core. I will make all of you very proud and confident in the decision you have taken today. Now, we've got work to do together. This race made us better and stronger as a Movement."
Coventry's first major responsibility as IOC President will be overseeing the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, with less than 11 months remaining until the Opening Ceremony.
Outgoing President Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry on her election, 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 the values we stand for will continue to guide us in the years to come."
Coventry's election represents a new chapter for the IOC, signaling a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the enduring values of the Olympic Movement.
Heartfelt Congratulations from Africa Aquatics
Dr. Mohamed Diop, President of Africa Aquatics, extended his congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her historic election. "As President of Africa Aquatics, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as President of the International Olympic Committee," he said. "Your remarkable journey as an Olympian, a celebrated swimmer, and a proud representative of Africa continues to inspire generations. You have always upheld the dignity of African swimming, and your election marks a significant milestone for our continent and the global sporting community."
Dr. Diop emphasized Coventry's youth, vision, and commitment as invaluable assets in steering the Olympic Movement toward a more inclusive and innovative future. "Your youth, vision, and commitment are invaluable assets in steering the Olympic Movement toward a more inclusive and innovative future," he added. "We are confident that your leadership will embody the values of excellence, solidarity, and unity that unite us all. Once again, congratulations and best wishes for success in this new chapter."
Coventry's election represents a new chapter for the IOC, signaling a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the enduring values of the Olympic Movement. Her leadership is poised to inspire not only Africa but the entire world, as she takes on this pivotal role in shaping the future of global sport.
Africa Aquatics Media ©. Reproduced from OIympics.com
