In an unprecedented move, Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman and African to be elected as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), taking on what is often considered the most important role in global sports. An astonishing first-round victory saw Coventry triumph in a competitive race involving seven candidates, clinching the position after obtaining essential support from 97 IOC members present for the vote.
The 41-year-old Coventry, a former Zimbabwean sports minister and two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, now has an eight-year mandate extended through 2033. She will soon have to navigate a pivotal conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Addressing the media, she shared her experience in handling high-pressure dialogues. “I have been dealing with challenging men in notable positions since I was 20,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of effective communication.
Coventry’s victory defied expectations in a vigorously-contested election anticipated to require multiple voting rounds. However, she surpassed predictions by securing exactly the 49 votes necessary for an outright win in her initial attempt. Her ascension is also viewed as a victory for outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who openly endorsed her despite abstaining from partaking in the vote. As she accepted her new role, Coventry promised to earn the confidence and pride of the IOC members and emphasized the collaborative work ahead.
Coventry was warmly congratulated by her closest competitor, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who had garnered 28 votes. “Her triumph is a beacon of optimism,” stated Samaranch, indicating unified support for her presidency.
Other formidable contenders included leaders from significant sports governing bodies – Sebastian Coe from athletics, Johan Eliasch from skiing, David Lappartient from cycling, and Morinari Watanabe from gymnastics, as well as Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan. Coventry will officially assume her new role on June 23, designated as Olympic Day, marking the 10th presidency in the 131-year history of the IOC, following Bach’s 12-year tenure.
As a youthful figure by IOC standards, Coventry will face substantial challenges ahead, notably steering the Olympic movement through numerous political and sporting challenges leading to Los Angeles 2028. Additionally, her leadership will witness the appointment of a city to host the 2036 Summer Games, with strong interest anticipated from India and the Middle East. The decision-making process will feature contributions from influential IOC members, such as Nita Ambani from Asia’s wealthiest lineage.
The tightly controlled five-month campaigning saw Coventry emerge strongly, offering a vision that largely continues Bach’s legacy, while her competitors proposed more athlete-oriented specifics. Coe’s World Athletics even broke new ground by remunerating track and field gold medalists in Paris last year, while Samaranch committed to loosening commercial restrictions and empowering athletes with control over their Olympic performances.
The historic landscape of the IOC saw Samaranch attempting to replicate his father’s presidency, which spanned from 1980 to 2001. Meanwhile, Coe, a celebrated Olympic champion and prominent organizer of the 2012 London Games, secured eight votes, later expressing pride for an athlete leading the organization, even amid personal disappointment.
Bach’s legacy took a momentous step forward this week, receiving extensive commendations and the honorary title of life president on Wednesday. Although Bach did not openly campaign for Coventry, he subtly implied influence by stating that in any election, one should not fault the voters or procedures.
Bach’s presidency brought notable security and gender parity to the IOC, realizing equal representation of male and female athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This focus on balance extends to the IOC executive board, currently featuring seven women out of 15, with Coventry acting as a prominent figure.
An elite assembly of IOC members, ranging from royalty, former governmental officials, business magnates, and past Olympic competitors, participated in the vote, including Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Notably, votes were cast without additional candidate presentations, relying heavily on covert networks of alliances and friendships.
Anita DeFrantz, previously the only woman to run for the IOC presidency in 2001, traveled from the United States amidst significant health struggles to cast her impactful vote for Coventry. Acknowledging DeFrantz’s legacy, Coventry emotionally emphasized her gratitude and inspiration attributed to her support.