Mrs. Coventry has a distinguished career in both sports and politics - Photo: REUTERS
Kirsty Coventry, born in 1983 in Harare, Zimbabwe, is Africa's best swimmer with many Olympic medals and world records.
She won her first Olympic medals in Athens 2004 and continued to shine in Beijing 2008. Specifically, Ms. Coventry won 2 gold medals in the backstroke event, along with many other silver and bronze medals.
Coventry’s parents are British and immigrated to Africa to pursue their business. Although she represents Zimbabwe, Coventry grew up in the American high school sports scene.
After retiring from football, Ms Coventry entered politics and in 2019 became Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation. She has been described as having revolutionised the development of sports in the country, despite facing many management challenges.
In the election, Ms. Coventry received 49 out of 97 votes, surpassing six other male candidates, including Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who came in second with 29 votes.
Ms Coventry will succeed Mr Thomas Bach and begin an eight-year term in June, with the possibility of a four-year extension.
Mrs. Coventry at the 2008 Beijing Olympics - Photo: BENDER
In her speech after being elected, Ms Coventry stressed the importance of promoting communication and unity in sport.
She also mentioned immediate challenges such as decisions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympics, as well as issues related to transgender athletes.
Ms Coventry pledged to promote inclusion, strengthen relationships with National Olympic Committees, modernise the host country selection process, promote clean sport and support gender equality.
Ms Coventry's election as IOC president is not only a major milestone for the organisation but also a historic milestone for the progress of women, as well as Africa, in elite sport.
The event reflects the IOC's commitment to promoting gender equality and diversifying leadership in sport.
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