COSTA NAVARINO, Greece – Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first female President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former Zimbabwean Minister of Sport, was elected as the 10th IOC President today at the 144th IOC Session in Greece.

Coventry won the election in the first round of voting, securing 49 votes, decisively defeating her closest competitor, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who garnered 28 votes. Other candidates included Lord Sebastian Coe (8 votes), David Lappartient and Morinari Watanabe (4 votes each), HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein and Johan Eliasch (2 votes each).

Following her historic win, President-elect Coventry expressed her deep gratitude and excitement, stating:

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.

“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”

Her election marks a significant milestone in Olympic history, with Coventry not only breaking gender barriers but also becoming the first African to lead the prestigious global sports organization.

In her victory speech, Coventry emphasized the unifying power of sport and her commitment to strengthening the Olympic Movement:

“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans, and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence, and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Coventry will officially take over from Thomas Bach on June 23, 2025, after his 12-year tenure as IOC President comes to an end. Bach congratulated Coventry on her victory, saying:

“Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”

Coventry’s election is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the IOC, with a focus on youth engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity. As a decorated Olympian and experienced sports administrator, she is widely respected for her commitment to the Olympic values.

Her eight-year term as IOC President will commence immediately after Bach steps down, marking a new era for the organization under her leadership.