Kristy Coventry makes history as first female president of the IOC

Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.

She will succeed the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after Monday 23 June 2025. The President is elected by the IOC Members by secret ballot for a term of eight years.

Coventry, a renowned Olympic champion and a stalwart in the world of athletics, was elected by the IOC Session in a momentous vote that reflects her long-standing commitment to sport, dedication to fairness, and passion for elevating the Olympic movement. Her election is a major milestone in the quest for gender equality within the Olympic and sports leadership structure.

A Champion Both in and out of the Pool

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Coventry made her name as a swimmer, earning the respect of the world through her impressive achievements at the Olympic Games. With seven Olympic medals to her name — two golds, four silvers, and one bronze — Coventry is widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers in Olympic history. Her rise to global prominence began at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she claimed her first gold, and continued through her career, cementing her place in the record books.

Beyond the pool, Coventry has been a tireless advocate for sports development in Africa, focusing on initiatives that promote youth participation in sport, women’s empowerment, and accessibility for athletes from underserved communities. After retiring from competitive swimming, she transitioned into roles where she could influence and shape the future of global sport, including her involvement with the IOC itself.

Breaking Barriers at the Highest Levels

Coventry's election is seen as a momentous achievement not only for Zimbabwe but for women across the globe. For decades, the IOC has been led predominantly by men, with women in leadership positions remaining sparse despite their significant contributions to the sporting world. Coventry’s rise to the presidency signals a pivotal change in the IOC's commitment to diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of sport governance.

In her acceptance speech, Coventry expressed her vision for the future of the Olympics. "Sport has the power to unite, to inspire, and to challenge the status quo. As president, I will work relentlessly to ensure that the IOC remains a beacon of inclusion, fairness, and opportunity for all athletes, regardless of gender, race, or background," she said, addressing the assembly of IOC members.

Her appointment also speaks to the growing recognition of the need for diversity in leadership positions across global institutions. She has already indicated her intention to continue her advocacy for gender equality, sustainability, and access to Olympic opportunities for developing nations.

A Legacy of Change

Coventry’s career in sport and her leadership within the IOC offer a potent example of the transformative power of sport and leadership. Her influence in the sports world extends far beyond her Olympic successes, as she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, particularly young women, to break through barriers and achieve greatness.

"Kristy Coventry has been a shining example of what it means to work hard, challenge boundaries, and give back to the global sporting community," said Thomas Bach, the outgoing president of the IOC. "Her experience as an Olympian and her work in the sports world make her the perfect leader for the IOC, and I am confident she will guide the organization to even greater heights."

As the first woman to lead the IOC, Coventry’s election is expected to catalyze sweeping changes within the organization, setting the stage for a new era of inclusivity and progressive thinking in the Olympic movement.

With her passion for equity, innovation, and her undying love for sport, Kristy Coventry is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Olympic Games for generations to come. The IOC, under her leadership, will undoubtedly reflect a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking vision for the future of global sports.

As the world watches, Kristy Coventry’s journey has only just begun — and it promises to be one for the history books.