IOC Elects First Female President from the East
Kirsty Coventry Makes History as First Female President of International Olympic Committee
On March 20, 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) witnessed a historic moment as Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, was elected as the first female president of the organization. The momentous occasion took place during the 144th IOC Session at the Greek resort of Costa Navarino.
In a single round of voting, Coventry received 49 out of 97 votes, securing her victory and paving the way for her to succeed Thomas Bach, who has been at the helm of the IOC since 2013. Coventry is set to assume office on June 24, 2025, and in her post-election speech, she expressed her commitment to making the committee proud and living up to the trust placed in her by its members.
Coventry’s appointment is not only historic for being the first woman to hold the position but also for being the first representative from Africa to be elected as president of the IOC. This underscores the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity. Throughout her career, Coventry has also served as the Minister of Sport of Zimbabwe and has been a staunch advocate in the fight against doping, adding further significance to her candidacy in the realm of modern sports governance.
With Coventry at the helm, the IOC is poised to enter a new era of leadership that champions diversity, equality, and excellence in sports administration.
ORIENT news
Photo: ufkims14.ru
