Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected as the first female and African President of the IOC during the 144th IOC Session in Greece. She expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized her commitment to uniting the Olympic community and championing core values. Her tenure follows Thomas Bach’s 12-year term, set to conclude on June 23, 2025.
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first female President in the IOC’s history. This significant decision was made during the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece, after a single round of voting.
Coventry emerged victorious over a diverse slate of presidential candidates which included HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe. In expressing her gratitude, President-elect Coventry stated her honor and excitement regarding her new position and thanked her fellow members for their trust and support.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Coventry remarked, “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.” She emphasized her pride in being the inaugural female and African IOC President, noting, “Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
Coventry elaborated on the values she intends to uphold, asserting her commitment to harnessing the unifying power of sports. She aims to work alongside the entire Olympic community, stating, “Together, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect.” Coventry anticipates a bright future for the Olympic Movement as she prepares to assume her presidency.
Following her election, outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry on her achievement and expressed his eagerness for a fruitful collaboration, especially during the transition period, emphasizing that the future of the Olympic Movement is promising.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the IOC President signifies not only a momentous step for gender representation in sports leadership but also highlights her commitment to fostering unity and innovation within the Olympic Movement. Her journey from a young swimmer in Zimbabwe to the IOC’s first female and African President stands as a noteworthy example of breaking barriers. As Coventry prepares to lead the organization, the Olympic community anticipates a transformative era characterized by collaboration and inspiration.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
