Africa's best swimmer becomes first female president of IOC

During the 144th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Greece, Kirsty Coventry was elected as IOC president, becoming the first woman and the first African to hold this position.

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.

Ms. Coventry’s parents are British and immigrated to Africa to pursue their business. Although she represents Zimbabwe, Ms. Coventry grew up in the American high school sports environment.

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 revolutionized 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 second with 29 votes.

Ms Coventry will succeed Mr Thomas Bach and begin an eight-year term next 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 increasing communication and unity in sport.

She also mentioned the challenges ahead such as the decision 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, modernize the host 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 advancement of women, as well as Africa, in elite sport.

This event reflects the IOC's commitment to promoting gender equality and diversifying leadership in sport.

Read more Back to Topics

HUY DANG