News DeskDubai: In a landmark moment for global sports governance, Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female and first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The announcement, made during the 144th IOC Session in Greece, marks a historic shift in the leadership of the world’s largest sports organization.
Coventry, 39, currently serves as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and is a decorated Olympic swimmer with seven medals, including two golds. She triumphed over six contenders to secure the presidency, succeeding Germany’s Thomas Bach, who will step down in 2025. Her eight-year term begins on June 23, 2025.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, a UAE-based initiative under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, extended congratulations to Coventry, underscoring her longstanding ties to the organization. Coventry participated in the award’s 2019 International Sports Creativity Conference, where she highlighted her journey from African athlete to global sports diplomat during a session on Sports Diplomacy.
“Kirsty Coventry embodies the spirit of innovation and inclusivity that our award champions,” the organization stated, noting its collaborative efforts with the IOC and global sports federations to empower communities, youth, and women through sports.
Coventry’s election has been hailed as a milestone for gender and regional representation in sports leadership. Born in Harare, she rose to prominence as a swimmer at Auburn University in the U.S., later dominating the 2004 Athens Olympics with three medals (one gold) and the 2008 Beijing Games with four medals (one gold). Her transition from athlete to policymaker—appointed Zimbabwe’s sports minister in 2018—cements her legacy as a trailblazer.
The IOC presidency role will see Coventry steering critical agendas, including sustainability, youth engagement, and the evolving role of sports in society. Her election aligns with the IOC’s push for broader geographic and gender diversity, resonating with global calls for equitable representation in sports governance.
As the sporting world celebrates this historic appointment, Coventry’s journey from Olympic pools to the pinnacle of sports administration stands as a testament to perseverance and visionary leadership.
