In a groundbreaking achievement, Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first woman to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This historic appointment was announced during the 144th IOC Session held in Greece, where Coventry stood out among seven candidates. She will officially assume her role as president on June 23, serving an eight-year term.
Coventry, a native of Zimbabwe, is a renowned former swimmer, celebrated for her impressive collection of two Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles, alongside numerous world records set during her career. Her contributions extend beyond athletics; she has been actively involved in politics, serving as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport since 2018. An IOC member since 2013, she also held the role of Vice President of the International Surfing Association.
Her election represents a significant milestone not only as the first woman to lead the IOC but also as the first African president in the organization’s history. Coventry’s inaugural Winter Olympics as president will take place in Milan and Cortina in 2026, where she is expected to contribute her vision and leadership to the Games.
She succeeds Thomas Bach, who has served as IOC president since 2013, and was re-elected in 2021. Coventry’s leadership may usher in a new era for the IOC, emphasizing inclusivity, diversity, and innovation in the Olympic movement.
On a related note, earlier reports from Kursiv Uzbekistan indicated that the inaugural Esports Olympics might be postponed to 2027, reflecting the ongoing evolution within the sporting landscape as it adapts to contemporary trends and audience interests.
Kirsty Coventry’s presidency could very well shape the future of the IOC and inspire a new generation of leaders in sports, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to an official statement on the IOC website.
Her appointment was confirmed during the 144th IOC Session held in Greece, where she emerged victorious among seven candidates. Coventry will officially take office on June 23 and is set to serve an eight-year term.
Born in Zimbabwe, the 41-year-old Coventry is a celebrated former swimmer, holding two Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles. She also set multiple world records during her athletic career. Beyond sports, she has been active in politics, serving as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport since 2018. She has been an IOC member since 2013 and also held the position of Vice President of the International Surfing Association.
Coventry’s election marks two major milestones — she is not only the first woman but also the first African to lead the IOC. Her first Olympic Games as president will be the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina in 2026.
She succeeds Thomas Bach, who led the IOC for 12 years since 2013 and was re-elected in 2021.
Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the inaugural Esports Olympics might be postponed to 2027.
