Kirsty Coventry, a Zimbabwean swimming legend, has made history by becoming the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
At just 41 years old, she’s also the youngest person to ever hold the position.
Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, including two gold medals in the 200m backstroke, was elected as the 10th IOC president, succeeding Thomas Bach.
Her eight-year term will begin on June 24, and she’s eligible for re-election for an additional four years.
Coventry also becomes the first Olympic swimmer to hold the presidency.
She’s been an IOC member since 2013 and has been actively involved in various Olympic committees.
Coventry’s election has been met with excitement and anticipation, as she’s expected to bring a fresh perspective to the IOC.
On Thursday afternoon, 100 IOC members voted in Greece.
Coventry was elected in the first round, securing a majority.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe was also in contention but fell short of votes.
He will continue as an IOC member and retain his role as head of the governing body for track and field.
Her address to IOC members emphasized her commitment to giving back to the Olympic movement, saying, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and now we’ve got some work together”.
The retired swimmer faces key challenges, including steering the Olympics through political and sporting complexities on the road to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
She will also oversee the selection of a host city for the 2036 Games, which could mark a historic first for India, the Middle East, or Africa.
About Coventry
Kirsty Coventry is a Zimbabwean swimming legend and politician, born on September 16, 1983, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
She began swimming at a young age and attended high school in Zimbabwe before enrolling at Auburn University in Alabama, USA.
Coventry specialized in backstroke and individual medley events, competing in four Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012) and winning seven Olympic medals, including two gold medals in the 200m backstroke (2004 and 2008).
She held multiple world records in the 100m and 200m backstroke events and retired from competitive swimming in 2016.
Throughout her career, Coventry has received numerous awards and honors, including the Zimbabwean Sportsperson of the Year award, the African Swimming Confederation’s Best Female Swimmer award, and induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2020.
Coventry is married to Tyrone Seward, a Zimbabwean-born American, and has two children, a son, and a daughter.