Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry makes history as first female IOC President

144th IOC Session - Election of the new IOC President: Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected today as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Photo: IOC/Greg Martin

COSTA NAVARINO, Greece — Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected Thursday as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first female and first African to lead the organization in its history.

Coventry won the presidency in a single round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, defeating six other candidates including royalty, former athletes, and sports administrators.

“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,” Coventry said following her historic election.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment,” she added.

Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion, highlighted the significance of breaking barriers in the Olympic movement’s leadership.

“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.”

The organizers of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City-Utah welcomed Coventry’s election.

“Kirsty Coventry represents a bright future for the Olympic Movement and the unity it brings to our world,” said Fraser Bullock, Executive Chair and President of the Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Organizing Committee. “As we lead up to the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City-Utah, we will look to her guidance as an accomplished Olympic champion, and a young next-generational leader who has been a strong athlete voice and understands full well the impact the Olympic Movement can have on humanity.”

Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who has led the organization for 12 years, congratulated Coventry on her election.

“I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period,” Bach said. “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 defeated several prominent candidates including HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.

She will officially assume leadership of the IOC after Bach’s tenure ends on June 23, 2025. The IOC presidency carries an eight-year term.

In her acceptance remarks, Coventry emphasized her vision for the Olympic movement: “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.”

Kirsty Coventry delivers her acceptance speech after being elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee, and the first female President in IOC history. pic.twitter.com/3BXf9kK0dI

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 20, 2025