Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry, has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as both the first woman and the first African to lead the organization.
Coventry secured victory in the first round of voting during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where she received 49 out of 97 votes, defeating other top contenders, including Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and British Olympic official Sebastian Coe.
The 41-year-old former Olympic swimmer, who has won seven medals for Zimbabwe, has been a prominent advocate for sports development and inclusivity. She has also served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry emphasized the importance of diversity and unity in the Olympic movement, stating, “This is our time to inspire change and promote the Olympic values across all continents.”
She will officially assume office on June 23, 2025, succeeding outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach. Her election is widely seen as a step towards greater global representation and inclusivity in the governance of international sports
