By 
March 20, 2025, 1:16 PM GMT
In a groundbreaking moment for global sports, Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister and Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The announcement came today following a decisive vote at the IOC’s 144th Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where Coventry secured a stunning first-round majority. At 41 years old, she becomes not only the first woman to hold this prestigious post in the IOC’s 131-year history but also the first African, marking a seismic shift in the leadership of the Olympic Movement.
Coventry, a celebrated athlete who competed in five Olympic Games (2000–2016), is Africa’s most decorated Olympian, with an impressive haul of seven medals: two gold, four silver, and one bronze. Her victories include back-to-back gold medals in the 200-meter backstroke at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, feats that earned her the nickname “Zimbabwe’s golden girl” from former President Robert Mugabe. Now, she steps into a new arena, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013 and will conclude his tenure on June 23, 2025.
The election saw Coventry triumph over a competitive field of six male candidates, including World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe and IOC vice-president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. With 49 of the 97 available votes, she clinched an outright majority in the first round, a result that surprised many given the tightly contested race. Coe, widely seen as a frontrunner, garnered just eight votes, while Samaranch Jr. secured 28. Other contenders, including Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient, and Morinari Watanabe, trailed further behind.
Speaking after her victory, Coventry reflected on the significance of the moment: “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment. I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president, and also the first from Africa. I hope this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
Coventry’s journey to this historic role is rooted in a remarkable career both in and out of the pool. After retiring from competitive swimming in 2016, she transitioned into sports administration, serving as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018 under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Her tenure has not been without controversy, with critics pointing to challenges in Zimbabwean sports governance, including a FIFA ban on the country’s football team in 2022 due to government interference. Nevertheless, her ascent within the IOC where she has been a member since 2013, chaired the Athletes’ Commission, and joined the Executive Board in 2023 underscored her growing influence.
As the 10th IOC president, Coventry assumes leadership at a pivotal time. Her eight-year term, beginning in June, will see her navigate complex issues such as geopolitical tensions, the reintegration of Russia into the Olympic fold, and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games amid a potentially unpredictable U.S. political landscape under President Donald Trump. She has pledged to modernize the Olympic Movement, promote sustainability, embrace technology, and prioritize athlete empowerment, with a particular focus on protecting female sports categories a stance that includes supporting a blanket ban on transgender women competing in elite female Olympic events.
Outgoing president Thomas Bach, who has been viewed as a mentor to Coventry, hailed her election: “I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. The future of our Olympic Movement is bright.” Bach’s influence was evident in the campaign, with some suggesting his backing played a key role in her victory.
The global sports community has reacted with a mix of celebration and anticipation. Coventry’s election shatters long-standing barriers, offering a fresh perspective from a continent often underrepresented in international sports leadership. Yet, her ties to Zimbabwe’s controversial government have sparked debate, with some questioning how she will balance her national role with the IOC’s commitment to ethical standards.
For now, the spotlight remains on Coventry’s promise to lead with unity and innovation. “Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all,” she said. “Together with the entire Olympic family, we will build on our strong foundations and champion the values of friendship, excellence, and respect.”
As she prepares to take the helm, Kirsty Coventry stands poised to redefine the Olympic legacy not just for Zimbabwe, but for the world.
