Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its 131-year history. The former Olympic swimming champion secured a surprise first-round win, gaining 49 out of 97 votes, enough for an immediate majority.
Her victory was a major blow to Britain’s Sebastian Coe, who was seen as the frontrunner. Coe had an impressive background, including two Olympic gold medals, organising the London 2012 Games, and leading World Athletics since 2015. He finished third with just eight votes, behind Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch, who secured 28 votes.
After her win was confirmed by outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, Coventry reflected on her journey from a young girl swimming in Zimbabwe to becoming one of the most powerful figures in global sport.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment,” she said. “I am proud to be the first female IOC president, and the first from Africa. I hope this inspires others. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I understand my role as a model for others.”
Coventry also promised to use sport as a tool for positive change. “Sport has a unique power to unite and create opportunities for all. I am committed to making sure we use that power to its fullest.”
Coe had positioned himself as the candidate for change, pushing for greater transparency and defending women’s sport. However, his strained relationship with Bach may have hurt his chances. Their conflict began in 2016 when World Athletics banned Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics over state-sponsored doping, a decision that put Coe at odds with the IOC leadership.
Coventry’s campaign started slowly and was seen as unremarkable. However, strong lobbying from Bach and senior IOC members in the final days appears to have played a key role in her victory.
Her win is significant but not without controversy. Coventry serves as Zimbabwe’s sports minister under a government facing British sanctions over human rights and governance issues. Some also worry that she will continue Bach’s leadership style, especially after he was named honorary president.
Coventry will officially take over on Olympic Day, 23 June, when Bach steps down after 12 years in office.
