By Kwame Bediako
Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The former Zimbabwean swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, secured 49 out of 97 votes in the first round, defeating high-profile contenders, including World Athletics President Lord Coe.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry reflected on her journey from athlete to global sports leader.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment. I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
Coventry described her election as an “extraordinary moment” and pledged to modernise the IOC, promote sustainability, and strengthen athlete representation.
She has also taken a firm stance on protecting women’s sport, supporting a ban on transgender women competing in female Olympic events.
At 40, Coventry will be the youngest president in the IOC’s 130-year history and will serve an initial eight-year term.
Her election has been widely welcomed, with British Olympic Association CEO Andy Anson among those offering congratulations.
“We know her well and look forward to working together to grow the Olympic Movement’s global relevance and commercial success,” he said.
