Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry, has been elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as the first woman, the first African and the youngest person to hold the prestigious position.
The 41-year-old former Olympic swimmer, a two-time gold medalist, replaces Thomas Bach, who served since 2013.
Despite World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe being the frontrunner, Coventry secured an absolute majority in the first round of voting.
Already a member of the IOC Executive Board, Coventry becomes only the 10th person to hold the role and will serve for at least eight years.
Elected as an IOC Member in 2013 via the Athletes’ Commission and later as an individual member in 2021, she remains eligible for re-election until 2053, with a possible extension until 2057 under the Olympic Charter.
The election took place during the 144th IOC Session at the luxurious Costa Navarino resort in Greece, near Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Games.
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