Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry was elected today as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the first female President in IOC history, following one round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Kirsty Coventry was chosen over other presidential candidates, namely HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.*
President-elect Kirsty Coventry said: “I am extremely honored and delighted to be elected President of the International Olympic Committee! I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their trust and support.
“The young girl who started swimming in Zimbabwe so many years ago could never have dreamed of this moment.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, as well as the first from Africa. I hope this election will be a source of inspiration for many people. Today, a glass ceiling has been broken, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.
“Sport has the unparalleled power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all. I am committed to ensuring we harness this power to the fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family—athletes, fans, and sponsors included—we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence, and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright. I can’t wait to get to work!”
Following the election, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the tenth IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to our strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future of our Olympic Movement is bright and the values we uphold will continue to guide us in the years to come.”
