Mumbai: Kirsty Coventry, a double Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, has made history by being elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the youngest individual to hold this position in the organization's 130-year history.

At 41 years old, Coventry, who serves as Zimbabwe's sports minister, is also the first African to be elected to this prestigious role.

"This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never imagined I would be here today, able to contribute to this remarkable movement," a delighted Coventry stated during her acceptance speech, following outgoing president Thomas Bach's announcement of her victory.

"I hope this vote serves as an inspiration to many. Today, we have shattered glass ceilings, and I fully recognize my responsibilities as a role model," she added.

Coventry, who has secured seven Olympic medals and has been a member of the IOC since 2013, achieved victory in just one round of voting at the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece, where she garnered an absolute majority.

She received 49 out of 97 votes, decisively defeating Spanish IOC vice-president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who received 28 votes, and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who received 8 votes, both of whom were strong contenders.

This is not merely a significant honor; it also reaffirms my dedication to each of you. I will take pride in leading this organization while upholding our fundamental values. We have considerable work ahead of us. This election has been an extraordinary journey that has fortified our movement.

Coventry, who will serve as the 10th president of the IOC, has been elected for an eight-year term extending until 2033. Her initial major challenge will be to steer the organization through the preparations and execution of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, particularly in light of the altered political landscape following Donald Trump's presidency.

The host city for the 2036 Olympics will be revealed during her term, with India aiming for a successful bid, designating Ahmedabad as the primary host city.

Coventry is recognized as the most decorated Olympian from Africa. As Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Art and Recreation, she has secured seven of her nation's eight Olympic medals. She achieved consecutive gold medals in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games. A five-time Olympian, she also earned four silver medals and one bronze, along with seven gold medals at the World Championships.

Her involvement with the IOC began in 2013 when she joined its Athletes’ Commission. Additionally, she served as the IOC Athlete Representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) from 2012 to 2021 and was a member of WADA’s Athlete Committee from 2014 to 2021. The IOC executive board member will officially assume her role on June 23, coinciding with Olympic Day, succeeding Bach.

Intense build-up

The native of Harare was perceived as the candidate endorsed by Bach as she entered the competition featuring seven candidates.

“Forty-nine votes indicate significant unity,” Coventry remarked in a subsequent interview with the IOC. “We must remain united and collaborate. While we may not always see eye to eye, it is essential to come together for the advancement of the movement.

“As an Olympic champion, my experience allows me to truly empathize with what athletes endure. They are central to our movement. Understanding their expectations makes a substantial difference when engaging with them, as I have lived through it myself.”

The other contenders included Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski Federation; David Lappartient, head of the world cycling federation in France; Morinari Watanabe, president of Japan’s international gymnastics organization; and Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan.

A significant initiative during Bach’s 12-year leadership was promoting gender equality within the Olympic movement, culminating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will allocate an equal number of quotas for men and women. He also aimed to enhance gender representation within the IOC, which currently includes seven women on its executive board.

Bach’s commitment to gender equality is evident in Coventry’s election as his successor.

“Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President,” Bach stated following the announcement of the election results. “I wholeheartedly support the decision made by the IOC members and anticipate strong collaboration, especially during the transition phase. There is no doubt that the future of our Olympic movement is promising, and the values we uphold will continue to guide us in the years ahead.”

Coventry’s initial major responsibility will be overseeing the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milano Cortina, Italy.

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