Cuba congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as the first female IOC president. The Cuban Olympic Committee highlighted her potential impact on international sport and welcomed Thomas Bach as Honorary Life President. Coventry received 49 votes in a surprising decisive election in Greece, defeating her nearest opponent by a notable margin.
Cuba has expressed its congratulations to Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to assume this prestigious position. The Cuban Olympic Committee (COC) recognized this achievement via its Facebook profile, stating that her leadership will significantly impact international sport.
Moreover, the COC extended wishes for Coventry’s success while affirming its commitment to collaborate positively in the future. Additionally, they welcomed the appointment of Thomas Bach, who has served as president since 2013, as the Honorary Life President of the IOC.
In a related message, Vento Montiller, the head of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder), publicly congratulated Coventry for her remarkable achievement as not only the first woman president but also as a representative from Africa. Coventry is an accomplished athlete, having won gold medals in the 200m backstroke at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
The election took place in Costa Navarino, Greece, where Coventry garnered 49 votes from the 97 IOC members present, securing her position in a surprise decisive round rather than an anticipated multiple round election. She received endorsements from her predecessor, Thomas Bach, and strong support from other female and African IOC members, leading her to a significant victory over Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. by 19 votes. The remaining candidates, including notable figures such as Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe, received substantially fewer votes.
The election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female president of the IOC represents a landmark achievement in sports governance. Her successful election, backed by significant endorsements, positions her to influence international athletics positively. Furthermore, the support from the Cuban Olympic Committee underscores a collective commitment to fostering inclusive leadership within the Olympic movement.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
