Kirsty Coventry becomes 1st female president of International Olympic Committee
What's the story
Zimbabwe's Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry has made history by being elected as the first-ever female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The 41-year-old former swimmer, who has won a total of seven Olympic medals, including two golds, is also the youngest and first African to hold this prestigious position.
Coventry got an absolute majority in the first round of voting in Greece, defeating World Athletics boss Lord Coe.
Athletic legacy
Coventry's Olympic journey and new responsibilities
Coventry, who has already been serving on the IOC executive board, becomes the 10th person to take up this top sporting role.
She has been a major part of Zimbabwe's Olympic history, contributing to seven of its eight medals.
Her new responsibilities include tackling issues like setting clear competition rules for transgender athletes and managing relations with key stakeholders, including addressing challenges related to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
Inspirational journey
Coventry's vision as IOC president
Upon her election, Coventry expressed immense pride in becoming the first female and African IOC president.
She said, "The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment."
Coventry hopes to inspire others with her achievement and is fully aware of her responsibilities as a role model.
Financial outlook
IOC's financial stability and future challenges
Under Thomas Bach's leadership (2013 till Coventry's election), the IOC has remained financially strong.
The organization bagged $7.3 billion in media rights, sponsorships, and other revenue streams for 2025-28 and $6.2 billion in contracts for 2029-2032.
However, the new president will have to tackle challenges like managing relations with sponsors who left last year amid calls to change its marketing structure.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
Kirsty Coventry was elected as IOC President, over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe. pic.twitter.com/9S0F0z0PWm
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 20, 2025