Coventry becomes first female and African president of the IOC
PYLOS, Greece: Kirsty Coventry made history on Thursday by becoming the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its 130-year existence. The Zimbabwean swimming legend, already a prominent figure in Olympic circles, secured the top position in a landslide victory, replacing Thomas Bach and ushering in a new era for the Games.
“It’s a really powerful signal,” Coventry said after her victory. “It’s a signal that we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity and we’re going to continue.”
Coventry won in the first round of voting, securing an outright majority with 49 of the 97 available votes. Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. finished second with 28 votes, while Britain’s Sebastian Coe, once considered a frontrunner, managed only eight. The remaining votes were split between France’s David Lappartient, Jordan’s Prince Feisal, Sweden’s Johan Eliasch, and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe.
Her election marks a significant shift for the IOC, reflecting its growing commitment to inclusivity and change. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, now takes on the responsibility of guiding the Olympic movement into the future.(Reuters)
