Kirsty Coventry Makes History as First Female President of the International Olympic Committee

Since the IOC was founded in 1894, only nine men have held the presidency, all but one of European descent. Coventry’s election breaks that tradition, setting a precedent for greater female representation in the leadership of global sports organizations.

A Landmark Moment in Olympic History

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected its first female president in over a century. Former Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry, 41, was chosen in the elections held in Costa Navarino, Greece, and will take office on June 24, succeeding German Thomas Bach.

Coventry secured victory in the first round of voting with 49 votes, significantly outpacing Spanish candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch, who received 28. Other contenders, including Briton Sebastian Coe, Japanese Morinori Watanabe, French David Lappartient, Swedish-British Johan Eliasch, and Jordanian Feisal Al Hussein, finished far behind.

The First Woman to Lead the IOC

"What an extraordinary moment," Coventry said with emotion after being announced as the new president. "This is just a reminder of my commitment to all of you. I will make you proud and confident in the decision you have made today," she added.

A Career of Excellence

Coventry is one of Africa’s most accomplished athletes. Throughout her swimming career, she won seven Olympic medals, including two golds. Her extensive experience in sports and her 12-year tenure as an IOC member positioned her as a strong candidate for the presidency.

The voting process was swift. After the count, Thomas Bach, who had supported Coventry’s candidacy, confirmed the result, and IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper officially closed the electoral process.

With this appointment, the IOC enters a new era under Coventry’s leadership, as she takes on the challenge of steering the Olympic movement in an ever-evolving global landscape.