Kirsty Coventry, a decorated Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, made history in March 2025 by being elected as the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Securing 49 out of 97 votes in the first round, her election marks a significant shift in the organization’s 131-year history.
Coventry’s illustrious athletic career includes seven Olympic medals, making her one of Africa’s most successful Olympians. Her transition from athlete to sports administrator has been seamless, serving as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation since 2018.
As IOC president, Coventry aims to address challenges such as rising costs of hosting the Olympics, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving landscape of global sports governance. She emphasizes diversity, gender equality, and the importance of making sports accessible to all. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for the IOC, focusing on inclusivity and modernization.
Coventry’s election is not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female leaders worldwide.
