Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has officially taken office as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman and the first African to lead the organization in its 130-year history.
Born in Harare in 1983, Coventry’s journey from Olympic champion to global sports leader is nothing short of inspiring. As a swimmer, she won gold medals in the women’s 200-meter backstroke at both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, accumulating a total of seven Olympic medals across five Games. Her achievements made her one of Africa’s most decorated Olympians.
After retiring from competitive swimming in 2016, Coventry transitioned into sports leadership and public service. Since 2019, she has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, advocating for the development of sports and arts within her home country.
Coventry’s involvement with the IOC began in 2012 when she was elected to the Athletes’ Commission. Her leadership roles expanded as she joined the IOC Executive Board in 2023 and chaired the Coordination Commissions for both the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Taking over from Thomas Bach, who concluded his 12-year presidency on Monday, Coventry steps into her eight-year term with a commitment to furthering the Olympic movement. Bach, a former Olympic fencing champion, led significant reforms during his tenure, including the implementation of Olympic Agenda 2020, which restructured the bidding process and increased support for host cities. In recognition of his contributions, the IOC awarded him the honorary title of Lifetime Honorary President.
Commenting on her new role, Coventry said, “I am honored to continue the legacy of promoting unity and excellence through sport. My goal is to empower athletes and inspire the next generation across all continents.”
Coventry’s appointment is seen as a milestone for diversity and representation in international sports governance, and her leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to the IOC’s future initiatives.
