Courtesy: Google
In a rather historic moment for the International Olympic Association (IOC), Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new IOC President, the first female to assume the role since the inception of the organization in 1894. The swimmer who made five world records during her sporting tenure, is set to take over her new role on June 23, 2025 for a eight-year term.
Current IOC President Thomas Bach is set to resign as an IOC member after serving as in the role for a 12-year period. His resignation date will be the takeover date for the newly elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry.
Coventry was fighting the IOC Presidential election alongside names like Juan Antonio, Sebastian Coe, Morinari Watanbe and others. She won 49 out of the 97 votes, achieving a majority and thereby winning the presidency. With this, the Zimbabwean swimmer is also set to become the first African national to lead the IOC. Kirsty is hailed as one of the most successful African Olympians in history as she has participated in five Olympics, winning seven medals and setting five world records.
A look at Kirsty Coventry’s glorious career
Her best Olympic performance came in the 2004 and 2008 editions where she won three and four medals respectively across multiple categories. Coventry also excelled at the World Championships, winning multiple gold medals. She set five world records during her career, primarily in backstroke and medley events. Coventry is Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian and one of the most successful African athletes in Olympic history.
After retiring from competitive swimming, Coventry transitioned into sports administration. In September 2018, Coventry was appointed Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Coventry has been a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2013. She serves as the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, a position she was elected to in 2018. Now as the Zimbabwean swimmer prepares to take on the mantle of the IOC President, it is being regarded as a progressive step for the organisation, reflecting a commitment to embracing diverse leadership and perspectives.
