Kirsty Coventry Makes History as First Female, African President of the IOC
(MENAFN) On Thursday, Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe was elected as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as the first woman and the first African to hold the prestigious role.
Coventry, who serves as Zimbabwe's sports minister and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, secured the position after winning the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Greece.
Reflecting on her achievement, Coventry expressed her amazement, saying, “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.”
She also shared her pride in becoming the first female IOC president and the first from Africa, adding, “I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
At the age of 41, Coventry will succeed Thomas Bach, beginning an eight-year term. Bach’s 12-year tenure will conclude on June 23.
Coventry is renowned for her Olympic success, having won gold in the 200-meter backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, along with a total of seven medals across those games.
She retired from competitive swimming in 2016 after her fifth Olympic appearance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Coventry, who serves as Zimbabwe's sports minister and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, secured the position after winning the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Greece.
Reflecting on her achievement, Coventry expressed her amazement, saying, “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.”
She also shared her pride in becoming the first female IOC president and the first from Africa, adding, “I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
At the age of 41, Coventry will succeed Thomas Bach, beginning an eight-year term. Bach’s 12-year tenure will conclude on June 23.
Coventry is renowned for her Olympic success, having won gold in the 200-meter backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, along with a total of seven medals across those games.
She retired from competitive swimming in 2016 after her fifth Olympic appearance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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