Kirsty Coventry will become president of the International Olympic Committee on Monday. The 41-year-old swimmer from Zimbabwe makes history as the first woman and first African to lead the organization. She takes over from Thomas Bach and becomes the most powerful person in global sports. Coventry won two Olympic gold medals during her swimming career. She helped Zimbabwe earn seven of its eight total Olympic medals.
The new president faces immediate challenges with Donald Trump and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coventry says she has handled difficult men in leadership positions since age 20. She believes communication will solve most problems between leaders. The former swimmer thinks people should embrace failure as a learning tool. Coventry says her biggest lessons came from losing and making mistakes.
Coventry served as Zimbabwe's sports minister from 2019 until this year. Critics attacked her for working with a government that won disputed elections in 2023. She defended her role and said people must join leadership tables to create change. The International Commission of Jurists called the 2023 Zimbabwe elections unfair. Coventry believes standing on sidelines and complaining does not help anyone.
The swimming champion grew up in Harare where her parents operated a chemicals business. Her family suffered during land seizures that forced white farmers from their properties. Coventry successfully resolved problems between Zimbabwe football officials and FIFA. The international soccer organization had banned Zimbabwe over corruption and harassment issues. She helped restore the country's standing and punished officials who mistreated female referees.
The new president faces immediate challenges with Donald Trump and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coventry says she has handled difficult men in leadership positions since age 20. She believes communication will solve most problems between leaders. The former swimmer thinks people should embrace failure as a learning tool. Coventry says her biggest lessons came from losing and making mistakes.
Coventry served as Zimbabwe's sports minister from 2019 until this year. Critics attacked her for working with a government that won disputed elections in 2023. She defended her role and said people must join leadership tables to create change. The International Commission of Jurists called the 2023 Zimbabwe elections unfair. Coventry believes standing on sidelines and complaining does not help anyone.
The swimming champion grew up in Harare where her parents operated a chemicals business. Her family suffered during land seizures that forced white farmers from their properties. Coventry successfully resolved problems between Zimbabwe football officials and FIFA. The international soccer organization had banned Zimbabwe over corruption and harassment issues. She helped restore the country's standing and punished officials who mistreated female referees.
