Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry made history Thursday when IOC members picked her as their tenth President during meetings in Costa Navarino, Greece. After just one round of voting, she became the first woman to lead the International Olympic Committee. Her victory came against six other candidates, including Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe.
After her win, Coventry shared her feelings: I feel incredibly honored the members trusted me with this role. Years ago, as a little girl swimming in Zimbabwe, I never thought this could happen. Breaking barriers as both the first female and first African IOC President matters greatly to me. I know many people will look up to this moment for inspiration.
Coventry spoke about her plans going forward. She believes sports bring people together like nothing else can. She promised to work with athletes, fans, and sponsors to make the Olympic Movement even better. We will keep our values of friendship, excellence, and respect at the center of everything we do, she added, expressing excitement about starting her work.
Current IOC President Thomas Bach praised the choice, saying he welcomes the decision warmly and promising strong teamwork during the upcoming transition period. Bach has led the IOC for twelve years and will step down next year on June 23, 2025. The position Coventry won lasted eight years, with all IOC members voting by secret ballot to choose their leader.
After her win, Coventry shared her feelings: I feel incredibly honored the members trusted me with this role. Years ago, as a little girl swimming in Zimbabwe, I never thought this could happen. Breaking barriers as both the first female and first African IOC President matters greatly to me. I know many people will look up to this moment for inspiration.
Coventry spoke about her plans going forward. She believes sports bring people together like nothing else can. She promised to work with athletes, fans, and sponsors to make the Olympic Movement even better. We will keep our values of friendship, excellence, and respect at the center of everything we do, she added, expressing excitement about starting her work.
Current IOC President Thomas Bach praised the choice, saying he welcomes the decision warmly and promising strong teamwork during the upcoming transition period. Bach has led the IOC for twelve years and will step down next year on June 23, 2025. The position Coventry won lasted eight years, with all IOC members voting by secret ballot to choose their leader.
