Kirsty Coventry Makes History as First Woman and African President of the International Olympic Committee

Kirsty Coventry, a Zimbabwean Olympic champion swimmer and Minister of Sport, has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman and the first African to lead the organization. At 41 years old, Coventry is also the youngest person to assume the role since Pierre de Coubertin. During her swimming career, she secured two gold medals in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, along with four silver medals and one bronze. Coventry's election is viewed as a significant step towards gender equality in sports leadership. She aims to make the IOC more inclusive and enhance athlete representation. Her leadership is anticipated to bring changes to the IOC, addressing issues such as climate change, athlete mental health, and the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympics. She will officially take office on June 24, 2025.