Islamabad, 21 March 2025: Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The 41-year-old Coventry is also the first woman to hold this position in the history of the IOC.
The former Olympic swimmer, who won two gold medals during her career, was chosen over six other candidates.
She will be joined by HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe.
The election took place during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where a secret ballot determined the winner.
The Zimbabwe-born Coventry secured 49 votes, achieving the required majority out of 97 total ballots cast.
She will assume office on June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013 and was re-elected in 2021. Coventry’s tenure will be an initial eight-year term.
She expressed pride as the first African and female leader of the IOC, highlighting her commitment to unity, inspiration, and creating opportunities through sports.
Reflecting on her journey from a young swimmer in Zimbabwe to leading the global Olympic movement, she stated that she hoped her election would inspire others.
She acknowledged the breaking of barriers and underscored the transformative power of sports to unite and uplift communities worldwide.
Coventry affirmed her dedication to upholding Olympic values, promoting innovation, and strengthening relationships with athletes, fans, and sponsors.
She pledged to build on the IOC’s foundations and drive forward a vision of inclusivity and excellence in the sporting world.
