Kirsty Coventrycio is the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC): the 41-year-old former Zimbabwean swimmer has made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the institution that governs global sport.
Coventry, Zimbabwe's current Sports Minister, boasts an extraordinary list of achievements: two Olympic golds in the 200m backstroke, won in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, as well as four silvers and a bronze at the Games. Considered the favourite of outgoing President Thomas Bach, she surprised everyone by winning in the first round of voting at the IOC Assembly, currently underway in Costa Navarino, in Greece, exceeding the quorum of 49 preferences.
“I am particularly proud to be the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. Today we have broken a glass ceiling”, she declared emotionally after the election. "I hope this moment can inspire many people. I am aware of the responsibility that this role entails and I will do my best to honor it".
Article published on March 20, 2025 - 18pm
