A historic chapter was written on 23 June 2025 in the Swiss city of Lausanne, with Kirsty Coventry assuming the leadership of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Elected last March during the 144th Session in Olympia (Greece), the former Zimbabwean swimmer and sports minister becomes the first woman and first African to preside over the institution for an eight-year term.
A two-time Olympic champion (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008), Kirsty Coventry officially succeeded Thomas Bach during a ceremony held at the Olympic House. Bach, IOC president since 2013 and gold medallist in fencing at the 1976 Montreal Games, symbolically handed over the keys of the organisation, praising a transition marked by “trust and gratitude.”
Designated lifetime honorary president, Thomas Bach also received the Olympic Order in Gold, the organisation’s highest honour, in recognition of his twelve years as president.
“New times call for new leaders,” he declared, praising the dynamic vision of his successor.
In her inaugural speech, Kirsty Coventry expressed her honour and determination to be “not only a leader but also a friend” to the entire Olympic family.
She emphasised the importance of values, passion and unity in building the future of the Olympic Movement.
SS/te/sf/lb/jn/APA