Zimbabwe’s sports minister and former Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry has been elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as the first African and first woman to hold the prestigious position.
The 41-year-old secured victory in the first round of Thursday’s election in Greece, winning 49 of the 97 available votes.
She defeated World Athletics president Lord Coe who was considered a frontrunner but garnered only eight votes.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr finished second with 28 votes, while four other contenders received minimal support.
Coventry will serve an initial eight-year term.
She also becomes the youngest president in the IOC’s 130-year history.
A decorated athlete, Coventry is Zimbabwe’s most successful Olympian, having won seven of the country’s eight Olympic medals, including gold in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Games.
Her leadership experience includes serving on the IOC executive board and holding the position of Zimbabwe’s sports minister.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry described her election as an “extraordinary moment” and expressed pride in breaking new ground.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president and also the first from Africa,” she said.
Her election marks a significant shift for the Olympic movement, signalling a new era of leadership with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and athlete welfare.
The Zimbabwean replaces Germany’s Thomas Bach who has led the IOC since 2013.
JN/APA