Zimbabwe’s sports minister, Kirsty Coventry, has been elected as the new president of the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
The 41-year-old former swimmer and two-time Olympic gold medalist, takes over from Germany’s Thomas Bach, who had been in the position since 2013.
Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.
Her appointment makes her the first woman, the first African, and the youngest person to ever hold the role.
World Athletics president Lord Coe was considered the favourite to win Thursday’s election in Greece, but Coventry secured an absolute majority in the first round of voting.
Already a member of the IOC executive board, she is now the 10th person to assume the highest office in sport, a position she will hold for at least the next eight years.
Coventry has earned seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals, winning gold in the 200m backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Games.
IOC President-elect Coventry said, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Coventry said, “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment.”
She added, “I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.
“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started!”
After the election, outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach said, “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
Coventry triumphed over six male rivals to claim the prestigious role.
