Kirsty Coventry becomes first woman, African elected as IOC president

|Published 5:05 PM ET, Tuesday March 25, 2025|

​Kirsty Coventry, a distinguished Zimbabwean swimmer and seasoned sports administrator, has been elected as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic milestone as both the first woman and the first African to assume this prestigious role. ​

Coventry’s election took place during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where she secured a decisive victory in the first round of voting, obtaining 49 out of 97 votes. Her closest competitors were Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. with 28 votes and Sebastian Coe with 8 votes. ​

“This is not just a huge honor, but it’s also a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organization with so much pride with the values at the core and I will make all of you very, very proud and extremely confident in the decision that you’ve taken today,” Coventry said.

Throughout her illustrious swimming career, Coventry earned seven Olympic medals, including gold in the 200-meter backstroke at both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games, making her Africa’s most decorated Olympian. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has been an active member of the IOC since 2013, serving on its Executive Board and chairing the Athletes’ Commission. In her home country, she has held the position of Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018. ​

Coventry’s election is celebrated as a significant advancement for gender and regional representation within the IOC. Upon her return to Zimbabwe, she received a hero’s welcome, with jubilant celebrations highlighting the national pride in her achievement. ​

As she prepares to assume office on June 23, 2025, Coventry faces several pressing challenges, including addressing the participation of Russian athletes in future Olympic Games and navigating complex issues surrounding gender eligibility in sports. Her leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the Olympic movement, emphasizing inclusivity and the transformative power of sport.

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