COSTA NAVARINO, Greece (CHATNEWSTV) — Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected Thursday as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming both the first woman and the first African to hold the position. She secured victory in the first round of voting at the 144th IOC Session.
Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming, defeated a field of candidates that included HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee,” Coventry said after her election. “The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.”
She added: “I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model. Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to harnessing that power to its fullest.”
Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure ends on June 23, congratulated Coventry on her historic win.
“The future of our Olympic Movement is bright,” Bach said. “Kirsty’s leadership, passion, and vision will ensure that our values remain strong in the years to come.”
Coventry’s term will last eight years, with the possibility of a four-year extension.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
