Costa Navarino, Greece – Kirsty Coventry don become the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after her election on March 20, 2025. The 41-year-old Zimbabwean swimmer receive 49 votes from 97 total, hitting the majority mark needed to win during the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session.
Coventry go replace outgoing President Thomas Bach, wey don serve since 2013, when she officially take office on Olympic Day, June 23, 2025. Dis election na major milestone as she be the first woman and the first African wey go hold dis prestigious position.
As the new president, Coventry go oversee the upcoming Olympic Winter Games within 11 months, as she expressed her excitement about the role. “This na extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never thought I’d be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible Movement of ours,” she tell the gathering during her acceptance speech.
Coventry’s rise to the presidency highlights not just her sporting achievements but also her commitment to the values of the Olympic Movement. “Dis na not just a huge honor, but it’s a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride,” she continued, emphasizing her goals for the IOC over the next eight years.
Thomas Bach, wey still dey office till June 23, congratulated Coventry on her election and expressed confidence in her leadership. “There no doubt say the future for our Olympic Movement dey bright, and the values we stand for go continue to guide us through the years to come,” he said.
Before her election, Coventry don serve as an IOC member and as Minister of Sport, Art & Recreation in Zimbabwe since 2018. As an Olympic athlete, she represent her country in five Olympic Games, collecting a total of seven Olympic medals: two gold, four silver, and one bronze.
She also demonstrate leadership within the Olympic community by serving as the chair of the IOC Athletes Commission and engaging actively in anti-doping initiatives.
After her election, Coventry stresses the importance of unity among all candidates and the collective ideas that emerged during the campaign. “What I want to focus on na to bring all the candidates together,” she said. “There are so many good ideas and exchanges over the last six months, I’d really like to leverage all of that.”
This election comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and increased scrutiny on gender and equality issues within the Olympic Movement. Coventry’s presidency will be significant as the IOC navigates through these challenges in the 21st century.
