Kirsty Coventry made history Thursday as members picked her to lead the International Olympic Committee. The Zimbabwean swimmer became both the first woman and the first African to grab this major sports position. She talked about her win saying it proves the Olympics truly reach across the world. Her victory surprised many experts when she claimed exactly 49 votes from 97 IOC members right in the first round.
The 41-year-old will run the organization until 2033. She might face early challenges meeting with Donald Trump about the LA 2028 Olympics. When asked about visiting the White House, she mentioned her experience dealing with tough men since age 20. She believes talking clearly will matter most when working with powerful people around the globe.
Most experts thought several voting rounds would happen, but Coventry nailed the exact majority needed immediately. Her success also made outgoing president Thomas Bach happy since many believed he wanted her as his replacement. Bach chose not to vote during the election process. During her acceptance speech, Coventry thanked everyone and promised they would feel proud about their choice.
Juan Antonio Samaranch received 28 votes as her nearest competitor. He congratulated Coventry with kisses on both cheeks as she walked to the stage. Samaranch viewed her strong start as positive for everyone involved. Sebastian Coe from track and field only gathered eight votes despite his impressive Olympic background. Other candidates included Johan Eliasch from skiing, David Lappartient from cycling, Molinari Watanabe from gymnastics, plus Prince Feisal al Hussein from Jordan.
The official switch happens June 23 – known as Olympic Day – when Bach steps down after serving his maximum of 12 years. Coventry, an Auburn University graduate, appears much younger than previous leaders. Her main tasks include guiding the Olympic movement toward Los Angeles 2028 through political and athletic issues. She must also find which city will host the 2036 Summer Games, possibly India or somewhere in the Middle East.
Bach enjoyed massive praise just one day earlier at the annual meeting. Members named him honorary president for life amid emotional celebrations. When reporters asked if he helped Coventry win, Bach simply hinted people should never criticize voters or procedures. His leadership created huge financial security, with the IOC expecting over $8 billion through 2028. Bach also pushed hard for equal numbers of men and women athletes at Paris 2024.
Coventry won back-to-back gold medals in 200-meter backstroke swimming during Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. She joined the IOC in 2013, almost a year after a disputed athlete election in London in 2012. Her position came after Court rulings against two opponents. Voters included royalty, former government officials, diplomats, business leaders, sports officials, Olympic athletes, and even Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.
Anita DeFrantz traveled from America despite serious health problems just to cast her historic vote. She had been the only previous female candidate for IOC president back in 2001. Coventry became emotional talking about DeFrantz, calling her an inspiration. She felt proud making DeFrantz proud through her groundbreaking achievement as the newest leader of Olympic sports worldwide.
The 41-year-old will run the organization until 2033. She might face early challenges meeting with Donald Trump about the LA 2028 Olympics. When asked about visiting the White House, she mentioned her experience dealing with tough men since age 20. She believes talking clearly will matter most when working with powerful people around the globe.
Most experts thought several voting rounds would happen, but Coventry nailed the exact majority needed immediately. Her success also made outgoing president Thomas Bach happy since many believed he wanted her as his replacement. Bach chose not to vote during the election process. During her acceptance speech, Coventry thanked everyone and promised they would feel proud about their choice.
Juan Antonio Samaranch received 28 votes as her nearest competitor. He congratulated Coventry with kisses on both cheeks as she walked to the stage. Samaranch viewed her strong start as positive for everyone involved. Sebastian Coe from track and field only gathered eight votes despite his impressive Olympic background. Other candidates included Johan Eliasch from skiing, David Lappartient from cycling, Molinari Watanabe from gymnastics, plus Prince Feisal al Hussein from Jordan.
The official switch happens June 23 – known as Olympic Day – when Bach steps down after serving his maximum of 12 years. Coventry, an Auburn University graduate, appears much younger than previous leaders. Her main tasks include guiding the Olympic movement toward Los Angeles 2028 through political and athletic issues. She must also find which city will host the 2036 Summer Games, possibly India or somewhere in the Middle East.
Bach enjoyed massive praise just one day earlier at the annual meeting. Members named him honorary president for life amid emotional celebrations. When reporters asked if he helped Coventry win, Bach simply hinted people should never criticize voters or procedures. His leadership created huge financial security, with the IOC expecting over $8 billion through 2028. Bach also pushed hard for equal numbers of men and women athletes at Paris 2024.
Coventry won back-to-back gold medals in 200-meter backstroke swimming during Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. She joined the IOC in 2013, almost a year after a disputed athlete election in London in 2012. Her position came after Court rulings against two opponents. Voters included royalty, former government officials, diplomats, business leaders, sports officials, Olympic athletes, and even Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.
Anita DeFrantz traveled from America despite serious health problems just to cast her historic vote. She had been the only previous female candidate for IOC president back in 2001. Coventry became emotional talking about DeFrantz, calling her an inspiration. She felt proud making DeFrantz proud through her groundbreaking achievement as the newest leader of Olympic sports worldwide.
