Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a significant milestone in the world of sports. The 41-year-old Zimbabwean swimmer won the presidential election with 49 votes, surpassing her closest rival, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who received 28 votes.
Coventry’s victory comes after a seven-candidate contest, with voting by 97 IOC members. She will take office in June 2024 and serve an eight-year term until 2032. Her win is seen as a signal that the IOC is truly global, reflecting her own background as a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe.
Coventry’s victory was also backed by outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who has long advocated for her candidacy. She promised to make all members “very proud” and work towards a united front in addressing challenges facing the Olympics.
The new president will face key challenges, including engaging with US President Donald Trump and finding a host for the 2036 Summer Games, which could go to India or the Middle East. Coventry’s manifesto offered continuity from Bach, but her rivals had specific proposals to benefit Olympic athletes.
Coventry’s election is seen as a legacy project by Bach, who stepped down after serving for over a decade. She will follow in Bach’s footsteps in promoting gender parity and increasing the representation of women within the IOC.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/election-day-ioc-choosing-new-olympics-leader-hard-119975330