Kirsty Coventry has made history as the first woman and African president of the International Olympic Committee, winning the election on March 20 in Greece. A former Zimbabwean swimming champion with seven Olympic medals, she expressed her gratitude and commitment to harnessing sports’ unifying power. Coventry outlined five key priorities in her manifesto, inspired by the Ubuntu philosophy, and faces significant challenges, including the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and addressing gender issues in sports.
Kirsty Coventry, a well-known figure in the world of sports, solidified her place in history with a resounding victory in just one round of voting. On Thursday, March 20, amidst the picturesque olive trees of Costa Navarino, Greece, and overlooking the stunning Ionian Sea, the former Zimbabwean swimming champion was elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This opportunity arose as her mentor, Thomas Bach, announced his decision to step down from the role on June 23, 2025, following his impressive tenure since winning a gold medal in team foil at the 1976 Montreal Games.
Having been a member of the IOC since 2013, Coventry, known for her expertise in backstroke and individual medley, achieved an absolute majority with 49 votes in a secret ballot. She triumphed over notable competitors, including British Sebastian Coe, head of World Athletics, Spanish Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., and Frenchman David Lappartient, who holds multiple prestigious positions in cycling and the French Olympic Committee.
The Trailblazer of African Sports
‘I am incredibly honored and thrilled to take on the role of president of the International Olympic Committee! My heartfelt thanks go to my colleagues for their trust and support. The young girl who began her swimming journey in Zimbabwe could have never envisioned this moment,’ Kirsty Coventry expressed after her election. A five-time Olympian, she competed from the Sydney Games in 2000 to her final appearance in Rio in 2016. With a remarkable tally of seven Olympic medals, including two golds in the 200m backstroke at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, she has made history.
Besides her Olympic achievements, Coventry is a three-time gold medalist at the World Championships and has earned numerous titles, including a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and 14 golds at the African Games. Now at 41, she becomes the first woman and African to lead the IOC, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. ‘I take immense pride in being the first female president of the IOC and the first from Africa. I aspire for this election to inspire many,’ she stated. ‘Today marks a significant breaking of the glass ceiling, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.’
Facing New Challenges
In her manifesto, though somewhat broad compared to her seven opponents, Kirsty Coventry identified five key priorities: leveraging the power of sport, fostering collaboration and engagement, strengthening partnerships, promoting sustainability, and enhancing credibility and trust. These priorities are inspired by the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, which signifies a universal connection among humanity: ‘I am because we are.’
‘Sport possesses an unparalleled ability to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for everyone. I am dedicated to ensuring we maximize this potential to the fullest,’ declared Coventry, who hails from Harare. She is set to officially assume the presidency on June 23, starting with an initial eight-year term, with a potential four-year extension. ‘Together with the entire Olympic family, including athletes, fans, and sponsors, we will build upon our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and uphold the values of friendship, excellence, and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement looks promising, and I eagerly await getting started!’
Coventry’s agenda is already brimming with challenges. With less than a year until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, she will need to navigate the complexities surrounding Russian athletes. Additionally, she will establish a relationship with Donald Trump in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Other pressing issues include addressing the IOC’s economic model and its impact, resolving access rules for women’s competitions following the Paris 2024 gender controversies, and the long-term planning for the highly coveted 2036 Summer Olympics.