Africa Hails the Election of Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry as the IOC's first Woman and African as its President

Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as both the first woman and the first African to lead the organization. The election took place on March 20, 2025, during the 144th IOC Session held at a luxury resort in Costa Navarino, Greece. Coventry secured a decisive victory in the first round of voting, surpassing six other candidates, including Britain’s Sebastian Coe and Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.

At 41, Coventry brings a wealth of experience to the role. She is a two-time Olympic swimming gold medalist and has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018. Her election is seen as a progressive step for the IOC, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Olympic Movement.

As the new IOC President, Coventry will oversee the future of the Olympic Games, addressing challenges such as escalating costs, geopolitical tensions, and changes in global sports governance. Her leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the organization, especially given her background as an athlete and sports administrator

Coventry’s election has been met with widespread acclaim, particularly from African nations, as it signifies a monumental achievement for the continent on the global sports stage. Her presidency is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and leaders from Africa and around the world.

By :Leslie Koroma Sr