All you need to know about Kirsty Coventry’s historic rise as IOC president
Pranjal Chandra | Mar 21, 2025, 00:25 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee, making history as the first woman and first African to assume the role. Her presidency is expected to focus on gender equality, athlete welfare, and navigating the challenges of upcoming Olympic Games, including LA 2028 and selecting the 2036 host city.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected Kirsty Coventry as its new president, making history as the first woman and first African to lead the world’s most influential sports organization. At just 41 years old, the Zimbabwean Olympic champion secured a decisive first-round victory, signaling a new era for the IOC. Here’s everything you need to know about her landmark win, her vision, and the challenges ahead.
Kirsty Coventry is no stranger to Olympic success. A two-time gold medalist in swimming, she dominated the 200-meter backstroke event at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. With a total of seven Olympic medals, she remains Africa’s most decorated Olympian.
Beyond her achievements in the pool, Coventry has built a strong reputation in sports governance. She has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport and has been an IOC member since 2013. Her involvement in global sports administration has made her a key player in shaping Olympic policies, particularly in athlete welfare and gender equality.
The race for the IOC presidency was expected to be one of the most competitive in decades. With seven candidates vying for the position, many anticipated multiple rounds of voting. However, Coventry stunned the Olympic world by securing exactly 49 votes—the majority needed to win—in the very first round.
Her closest rival, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, secured 28 votes, while other candidates, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, trailed far behind. Coventry’s win was seen as a victory for outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who had been a strong supporter of her candidacy but did not cast a vote himself.
After being declared the winner, Coventry addressed the IOC members, saying, “I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have taken. Now we have got some work together.”
Coventry’s presidency is expected to continue many of Bach’s policies, particularly in promoting gender equality. Under Bach’s leadership, the IOC achieved gender parity at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Coventry’s election reinforces that commitment.
As a former athlete herself, she is likely to advocate for stronger athlete representation and well-being. This could mean more financial support, commercial opportunities, and greater influence for athletes in decision-making processes.
One of the biggest tasks on Coventry’s plate will be ensuring a successful Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She will need to navigate political dynamics, including negotiations with U.S. leadership, and maintain the IOC’s financial stability, which is expected to generate over $8 billion in revenue through 2028.
Another major challenge will be selecting the host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Strong contenders include India and countries in the Middle East, and Coventry’s diplomatic skills will be crucial in securing a smooth bidding process.
Coventry’s election is a landmark moment for Africa. Despite producing world-class athletes, the continent has never hosted an Olympic Games. With an African leader at the helm, there is hope that the Olympic movement will place greater focus on the continent’s sporting potential.
Coventry will officially take over as IOC President on June 23, 2025—Olympic Day—becoming the 10th president in the organization’s 131-year history. Her leadership will be tested as she works to uphold Olympic values, engage with athletes, and navigate the complex world of international sports governance.
With her experience as an athlete, government official, and IOC member, Coventry is well-positioned to bring fresh energy to the Olympic movement. As she embarks on her eight-year term, the world will be watching to see how she shapes the future of the Games.
Who Is Kirsty Coventry?
Beyond her achievements in the pool, Coventry has built a strong reputation in sports governance. She has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport and has been an IOC member since 2013. Her involvement in global sports administration has made her a key player in shaping Olympic policies, particularly in athlete welfare and gender equality.
How Did She Win?
Her closest rival, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, secured 28 votes, while other candidates, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, trailed far behind. Coventry’s win was seen as a victory for outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who had been a strong supporter of her candidacy but did not cast a vote himself.
After being declared the winner, Coventry addressed the IOC members, saying, “I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have taken. Now we have got some work together.”
What does this mean for the future of the Olympics?
As a former athlete herself, she is likely to advocate for stronger athlete representation and well-being. This could mean more financial support, commercial opportunities, and greater influence for athletes in decision-making processes.
One of the biggest tasks on Coventry’s plate will be ensuring a successful Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She will need to navigate political dynamics, including negotiations with U.S. leadership, and maintain the IOC’s financial stability, which is expected to generate over $8 billion in revenue through 2028.
Another major challenge will be selecting the host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Strong contenders include India and countries in the Middle East, and Coventry’s diplomatic skills will be crucial in securing a smooth bidding process.
A more inclusive Olympic movement
Coventry will officially take over as IOC President on June 23, 2025—Olympic Day—becoming the 10th president in the organization’s 131-year history. Her leadership will be tested as she works to uphold Olympic values, engage with athletes, and navigate the complex world of international sports governance.
With her experience as an athlete, government official, and IOC member, Coventry is well-positioned to bring fresh energy to the Olympic movement. As she embarks on her eight-year term, the world will be watching to see how she shapes the future of the Games.