On March 20, 2025, a landmark event occurred in the history of the International Olympic Committee (IOC): for the first time, a woman was elected as president of the organization. Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, was elected to this prestigious position. The election took place during the 144th IOC Session, held at the Greek resort of Costa Navarino.
Only one round of voting was required to elect the new president, in which Coventry secured victory with 49 out of 97 votes. She will succeed Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013. Coventry will assume office on June 24, 2025. In her speech following the election, she expressed her hope to make the committee proud through her work and to justify the trust placed in her by its members.
Kirsty Coventry's appointment marks not only the first time a woman has held this role but also the first time a representative from Africa has been elected, underscoring the IOC's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. In her career, she has also served as the Minister of Sport of Zimbabwe and has been actively involved in the fight against doping, making her candidacy particularly significant for contemporary sport.
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