Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female IOC President

Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry Elected First Female IOC President
By HARARE, Zimbabwe – March 22, 2025

In a historic milestone for both gender and continental representation, former Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female and the first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

At 41, Coventry secured the prestigious role after a competitive election held during the IOC’s 144th session in Greece. Outperforming six contenders, she won with 49 out of 97 votes. Notable candidates included two-time Olympic gold medallist and current World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, who garnered eight votes, and IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who received 28 votes.

Other candidates in the race were France’s David Lappartient and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe, each receiving four votes, while Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Johan Eliasch of Sweden earned two votes apiece.

A New Chapter for the IOC

Following her victory, Coventry expressed both pride and determination, emphasizing the symbolic importance of her election in advancing equity and inclusivity.

“We have made a powerful statement,” she said. “It’s a sign that we truly represent a global institution—one that is evolving and will continue to grow, rooted in excellence and equality for years to come.”

An Olympian’s Journey to Leadership

Widely celebrated as Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian, Coventry won seven of the nation’s eight Olympic medals, including two golds in the 200-meter backstroke at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games.

Her transition from elite athlete to global sports leader reflects her longstanding commitment to the Olympic ideals, with a legacy that bridges sporting excellence and transformative leadership.